Microsoft announces Windows 10 Creators Update coming free of charge early 2017

Microsoft has announced the next big update for Windows 10 at its Surface event in New York City. The company named the update as “Windows 10 Creators Update” and it’ll be available as a free download at the beginning of next year, probably March.

With this update, Microsoft is planning to go all creative for windows users — mainly focus on three categories: 3D, gaming and people (surprise?).

Windows 10 Creators Update (build 1703) is the same release that was leaked a month ago called Redstone 2. The company said the update will be available in “early 2017” but didn’t share the exact time frame. Windows Insiders Program users may get a chance to play with the update before it is made public.

Although Microsoft didn’t give a detailed overview of what will come in the Creators Update but following are few things you can expect at least:

3D for everyone

This is the big feature coming in next scheduled update. Microsoft says it wants Windows 10 to be a home of not only virtual reality bu also augmented reality and holographic computing — commonly known as HoloLens. To achieve the transition from “2D to 3D journey”, the company is bound to introduce a whole range of new tools and features that support 3D content.

“If we want to make 3D creation for everyone. It has to be as easy as taking a photo,” Microsoft’s Meghan Saunders said on stage. With new 3D app for Paint, you can scan real objects and get into Paint as a full 3D object. Is it fascinating? nah? Later you can convert 3D object into whatever format that can be easily 3D printed.

You can also import those 3D models into Microsoft PowerPoint or share it with your friends on Facebook. The company said it’s focusing on the “next generation,” with this renewed focus on creativity.

HoloLens

Microsoft is also bringing Windows Holographic Shell to Windows 10 next year, which could be part of the Creators Update. With Windows Holographic Shell, those with VR headsets will be able to experience and use Windows 10 in a holographic environment.

To serve this purpose, Microsoft has unveiled a new app called HoloTour, that let you explore and interact with places and cities around the world with HoloLens as well as with regular VR headsets.

Games, games…and games

For game enthusiasts, Microsoft has big plans. The company launched a new Twitch-like feature for Windows 10 users. It lets you broadcast your Xbox games by just pressing Windows button and hiting “G”. Xbox Live will automatically let your friends know that your’re streaming, and allow them to comment in real time.

Microsoft introduced Windows 10 last year “As A Service” — which means there will be no news standalone Windows version. Rather the company will work to improve the current features and introduces new stuff regularly. The operating system is designed to get updates, fixes, and future releases for free of charge. The company wants to make Windows 10 apps more social-centric by encouraging people to use the apps more in daily life.

Putting people in task bar

“People are confined to individual applications. With the Creators Update we are placing people at the center of the Windows experience.” Microsoft is bringing the people you mostly connect with, right to your task-bar with the Windows 10 Creators Update.

This feature may sound least exciting, but it is something that is going to be used a lot. Users will be able to pin icons for any of their friends any family member to the task bar — allowing them to share files by just drag & drop to these icons.

When can you download it?

It is not clear yet when the Creators Update will be available for the general public download. Microsoft just said it is launching this spring, so you can expect it in March at earliest. But those who signed up for Microsoft Insiders Program will be able to get early access to play with all super cool features.

Read next: Microsoft announces its first ever desktop PC, the Surface Studio