Hands-on with the new Cortana experience in Windows 10 build 18922

Cortana and Microsoft logo
Cortana and Microsoft logo (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft released a brand new 20H1 preview build for Insiders in the Fast and Skip Ahead rings yesterday that brings with it a couple of minor new features, but also includes a brand new hidden Cortana experience that introduces a conversational UI similar to what's available on Android and iOS.

It's been a while since our last Windows 10 build video, and that's because it's been a long time since Microsoft last added any noteworthy new features to preview builds. 19H1 was feature complete around late January, and 20H1's development has such a long lead time that new features haven't really started showing up yet. But that should change in the coming weeks, as features begin being compiled into the prerelease channel.

This week's build, 18922, includes updates to the Language area in Settings. Previous builds have also introduced a new Pen Workspace, which removes quick access to screen sketch, and replaces it with a simple bar that gives you quick access to screenshotting and the Microsoft Whiteboard. There's also some hidden features that aren't enabled yet, including the ability to rename Virtual Desktops and a new Cortana experience.

The new Cortana experience is arguably the biggest new feature that we know about coming soon to Windows 10. It's a complete overhaul of the Cortana experience on PC, bringing a similar voice assistant user expererience popularized on mobile devices. You can type into Cortana and have a conversation threat that's saved for later, just like a normal text conversation. You can still use your voice as well, of course.

Make sure you check out our video and let us know below what your thoughts are on these new features.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads