The new Windows 10 build may crash your games

Microsoft launched Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 21343 (RS_PRERELEASE). It brings some important changes and fixes, but it may also crash games.

The build is available only for those in the Windows Insider program, for testing. In case you’re an avid gamer, Microsoft warns against installing this build lest you want to risk losing gaming data.

There is an issue in this build where certain games may crash, will not sync save data when a game is played on a different device, or will not save when a new game is installed.

Games crash, but refresh-rate issues are fixed

While the report warns about the mentioned issue, it also promises to debug it and to have a solution ready in the next build.

If you experience game crashes upon launching or while playing them, note that the problem might not be the updates. Games often crash also due to interfering programs or outdated drivers.

On the other hand, gamers have something to be happy about with this build. The release notes announce that the issue where some high-refresh-rate monitors only ran at 60Hz is now fixed. This should also avoid tearing in variable-refresh-rate monitor scenarios.

Other important improvements

The build introduces new Fluent Design-based icons for File Explorer, Desktop, Downloads Recycle Bin, and other folders. The idea, says Microsoft, is to differentiate them easier and to have a more consistent design across all Microsoft apps.

The new icons will be available to the general public starting with the Windows 10 21H2 update. This is expected to launch in the second half of this year.

Also related to File Explorer, users can now rename files using CTRL + Left / Right arrow shortcut to move your cursor between words in the file name.

According to another warning, after installing this build, all folders pinned to Quick Access in File Explorer will disappear. So users should be aware of what is pinned prior to upgrading, to find those folders afterward.

Additionally, the build brings a new runtime designed and optimized for container scenarios. As a result, the Windows Sandbox and the contained programs will launch faster, especially on older computers.

In case you’ve experienced frequent app crash during installation or other activities recently, after getting this update all programs should work smoothly, Microsoft adds.

You can see the full list of changes and fixes in the cited report. Microsoft encourages feedback; so don’t hesitate to contact them should you experience any unusual system behavior or should you have any suggestions.