Microsoft took the wraps off its Windows AutoPilot service for the installation of, resetting and recovering devices last summer. Right now, Lenovo provided an update on its implementation plans for Windows AutoPilot.

At its Ignite conference in September, Microsoft officials declared starting in January 2018, Lenovo and HP would begin offering customers Windows AutoPilot.

In a April 17 blog post, Lenovo officials said they're now testing Windows AutoPilot with select early-adopter customers. General availability because of the large enterprise users can happen "in the coming months," i was told that.

Lenovo is directly integrating with Windows AutoPilot to get users to enroll Lenovo PCs inside their Azure Active Directory tenants before they receive their PCs. When users sign proper customized out-of-box founded experience, the provisioning and security policies will undoubtedly be delivered automatically. Customers will even have the option of combining Windows AutoPilot with Windows 10 preloaded images, and also with customer-designated applications and cloud-storage capabilities already integrated, your web page post said.

As originally announced by Microsoft, the Windows AutoPilot Deployment Program is perfect OEMs, distributors, and resellers. It allows them to provide users with "business-ready" devices by linking Windows 10 PCs for organization, existing Azure Active Directory, and Intune mobile-device management services and preloading it with Office 365 ProPlus apps.

I've not seen/heard anything regarding where HP reaches in its planned AutoPilot deployment. During 2009, Microsoft made AutoPilot possible for its Surface devices.

Microsoft documentation for Windows Autopilot is on a Microsoft Docs site.

When Microsoft releases Office 2019 later this present year, it will be killing off of the desktop version of Onenote. At the moment there are certainly desktop and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) versions available, but soon Microsoft is offer Onenote for Windows 10.

With regards to killing faraway from Onenote 2016 coincides while using launch of Office 2019, Onenote for Windows 10 might become the "default Onenote experience" for Office 365 users. But considering that desktop form of the app posesses a dedicated userbase, it'll continue to be supported for many people years.

Microsoft claims that Onenote 2016 will continue to acquire bug fixes until October 2020, and they will get security patches until October 2025. The latest features, however, are going to be reserved for Onenote for Windows 10. Writing with a Office 365 blog, Microsoft's William Devereux explains: "Beginning when using the launch of Office 2019 later in 2012, Onenote for Windows 10 will replace Onenote 2016 given that the default Onenote experience either way Office 365 and Office 2019."

People that use two different versions of Onenote usually make their their particular alternative for a variety of reasons, however, the selection of available features is good for list. As there is a lot of crossover in features within the desktop and UWP versions, you will still find a few differences, and that is something Microsoft aims to address, promising many new inclusions in Onenote for Windows 10. This agency says these particular will be added september:

Insert and search for tags: Onenote 2016's popular tags feature is due Onenote for Windows 10! Soon you will insert, create, appear for custom tags, tends to make easy to mark key information and look for it later. Tags you create will roam along with to across your devices, and Onenote might also show you tags folks have used in an exceedingly shared notebook that means you don't have to recreate them yourself. The brand tags experience was built based on your feedback, it's going to be available later this summer season.
View and edit files: See live previews of Office files in Onenote, band together on attached documents, and save space on the notebooks with cloud files. You'll get the entire benefits of saving information on OneDrive while using context and convenience of an attachment or preview on just the Onenote page.
Additional Class Notebook features: The whole slate of sophistication Notebook features for the add-on for Onenote 2016 will likely be available in Onenote for Windows 10 august. Best of all, you lack to install various add-in -- it's all built-in!

Microsoft also claims that synchronization and overall consumer experience are in line for improvements.

Along with the release of Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17134 (Redstone 4) with the Fast Ring, Microsoft has given a little insight into what went wrong with build 17133, that's thought to be the RTM build but was delayed due to a "blocking bug".

The release of Windows 10 Spring Creators Update was expected this month, nevertheless launch date will now be seemingly increasingly inclined to slip into May. Microsoft has stated build 17133 was proving problematic and also company says it wishes to fix problems now, rrnstead of after the fact.

The invention of build 17134 of Windows 10 last month came as both surprising and a disappointment, with those interested in the next big feature update if you know this most likely meant a delay. Announcing provide of 17134 to Windows Insiders about the Fast Ring, Dona Sarkar stated that the last-minute discovery of problems highlighted the significance the Insider program, and thanks participants due to their help.

Dealing with the buggy 17133 build she says:

As Build 17133 progressed through the rings, we discovered some reliability issues we wanted fix. In some instances, these reliability issues might led to a very high percentage of (BSOD) on PCs just like. Instead of establishing a Cumulative Update package to service these issues, we decided to create a new build while using fixes included.

Each of us know much more about the exact nature of the problem, we are seeing a change in approach from Microsoft. As a substitute for rushing to receive the update out and needing to issue a launch day patch -- something which can be immensely problematic on its own -- the company is instead opting to do its time guarantee that the RTM build that does ultimately are conscious of the light of day (whenever that one can) is as roughly perfect as it could reasonably be expected to be.

Microsoft is releasing today the Windows 10 RS5 build 17643 to Skip Ahead Insiders, and the new bits bring some nice improvements to Windows Sets. In response to Microsoft, the tabbed experience should surely enabled for most Win32 apps, for example latest Insider builds of Office 2016.

This latest RS5 build also brings some improvements to Data Usage settings while roaming, and as well new setting to keep your mouse cursor centered in Full-screen mode. Additionally, Microsoft claims that WebDriver, its tool for automating testing to your website in Microsoft Edge happens to be a "Feature at will," with its installation now that are part of Windows.

Ask for the full release notes for Windows 10 preview build 17643 below:

Sets + Office = Awesome

Sets with Office 365 allows you to group, recall, and refresh data sources for the projects. Whether updating your Excel budget each month with share values and payment expenses, incorporating data from multiple reports and websites suitable into a PowerPoint, or managing citations for a book report in Word, Sets with Office 365 helps you get more done, faster.

With today's build - Windows Insiders in which are also Office Insiders can look at Sets with Office. You must be an Office 365 subscriber running recently available version of the Office 365 desktop apps for the Sets experience to smoke a cigarette. If you're not already an Office Insider, you can easlily sign-up here. Additionally, if you're no Office 365 subscriber.

Sets Improvements

Sets is right now enabled for some desktop (Win32) apps that employ a default and non-customized title bar. Apps that customize their title bar do not possess Sets (e.g. Paint.exe).
If you've opened a Microsoft Edge window within Sets, one can drag that tab around contained in the set, and also drop it in another Sets window. Dragging coming from a Sets window using a standalone Microsoft Edge window will not yet work.

NOTE: Some Insiders could see Sets disappear temporarily after installing this build. Sets should return in 1-2 days or upon the reboot with the PC.

Microsoft Edge Improvements

Microsoft WebDriver has grown to become a Feature at the moment: We've made Microsoft WebDriver a function on Demand (FoD) Feature-on-Demand) to become proficient to get the right version to the device. You could install WebDriver by activating Developer Mode, or by looking to Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Manage optional features and inatallation standalone.

This may address strongest pain points we perceive from customers around binary mismatches, as FoD's match the build/branch/flavor automatically. Which means that the standalone download will not be made designed for insiders or future stable versions of Windows, as installation happens to be built into Windows.

Microsoft WebDriver now gets installed to C:\Windows\System32\ and will eventually automatically be on the way for the machine once installed. We're now shipping 64-bit Microsoft WebDriver to x64 machines. Note, theres a known issue for x64 machines building in Visual Studio with Selenium, precisely where default Visual Studio builds 32bit all of which will only look at C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ folder for PATH variables. Be effective around this issue, target and prepare 64bit from Visual Studio. In an exceedingly future build, we decide to publish both 32bit and 64bit binaries with our FoD for 64bit machines, which could address issue.

Data Sense Improvements

Roaming Usage: Does your device get a SIM? We've updated Data Usage Settings tell you how much data you use while roaming! The roaming usage info will look once you start using roaming data. Once again, if you'd prefer enable or disable roaming altogether, you'll discover the option under Cellular Settings.

Magnifier Improvements

Choose restaurants to keep the mouse cursor: We've heard your feedback asking us for the way to keep your mouse focused on the screen in Full-Screen mode, adequate this build, we're to make it happen! This new option under Settings > Training comprehension Access > Magnifier > "Keep your mouse…" > "centered within the screen" enables easier tracking and apply of the mouse, especially helpful at higher magnification levels.

More alternatives increments: You've recently been asking for even more control of your zoom level increments, so we've taken a second to add two new increments to list: 5% and 10%.

We love feedback! Since you may haven't noticed it already, you will find there's new Magnifier node with the Feedback Hub under Simplicity of Access > Magnifier. We're looking towards hearing your emotions about using Magnifier - to go to to open our section within a Feedback Hub.

The Windows 10 RS5 build 17643 also provides you with fixes for missing Fluent Design "Reveal" effects, screen flickering issues and better, but it also has an list of known issues way too. As usual, we invite one report every bug you encounter in such an build while in the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.

Chip maker AMD has released new microcode updates to mitigate the Spectre variant 2 side-channel attack, which Microsoft has supported utilizing Windows 10 patch for AMD systems.

AMD's latest microcode update coincided with Microsoft's April Patch Tuesday fixes and comes just weeks after Intel ended its Spectre 2 mitigations for each CPU families released moscow and rome nine years.

AMD's chief mitigation because chips on Windows impacted by variant 2 CPU indirect branch target injections has the name 'indirect branch prediction barrier', or IBPB, in fact it is only for the purpose of cases when software switches in a user context to somewhat of a context that should be protected.

AMD's whitepaper across the Meltdown and Spectre attacks advises against two other Spectre variant 2 mitigations for Windows and Linux on AMD called Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation (IBRS) and Single Thread Indirect Branch Predictor (STIBP). It usually is . recommending Google's Retpoline in addition to IBPB for Linux.

This context switching restriction cause Windows 10 users are increasingly being urged to lay Microsoft's latest Windows 10 update KB4093112, made up of a supporting update for Windows 10 that limits ARM's IBPB to when software switches from user context to kernel context.

"Today, AMD provides updates regarding our recommended mitigations for Google Project Zero (GPZ) variant 2 (Spectre) for Microsoft Windows users. These mitigations amount of reliability combination of processor microcode updates from your OEM and motherboard partners, and furthermore running present day and fully up-to-date version of Windows," wrote Mark Papermaster, AMD's CTO.

Microsoft is thinking about the release a similar update for AMD's fix on Windows 2016 following final validation and testing, in step with Papermaster.

AMD said it already has released microcode updates for the customers and partners for any chips way back to the first Bulldozer core products released in 2011.

These updates could well be released as BIOS updates from PC and server makers and motherboard providers.

Papermaster in January announced "optional microcode updates" for Ryzen and Epyx processors and flagged further microcode updates for older chips in coming weeks.

AMD in those days said its chips weren't affected by Meltdown, while Spectre version 1 attacks might be mitigated by OS updates.

Microsoft released new Windows 10 updates for AMD processors in February after an earlier update stopped AMD systems from booting.

AMD has yet to release patches to make the Ryzenfall, Masterkey, Fallout, and Chimera bugs revealed in March.

Microsoft is releasing getting to code to its original Windows File Manager from nearly 28 in the past. Originally released for Windows 3.0, the File Manager was obviously replacement for managing files through MS-DOS, and allowed Windows users to duplicate, move, delete, and show off for files. While it's a relic out from the past, you can still compile getting to code Microsoft has released and run the app on Windows 10 today.

The foundation code can be obtained on GitHub, and is especially maintained by Microsoft veteran Craig Wittenberg beneath the MIT license. Wittenberg copied the File Manager code from Windows NT 4 back in 2007, and allows been keeping it up before open sourcing it recently. It's evidence of the backwards compatibility of Windows itself, especially the fact that this was originally that are part of Windows upwards of 20 years ago. It's as nostalgic as running Windows 95 on an Xbox One, Apple Watch, or Android smartwatch. If you're keen on original Windows File Manager you could potentially download the app from GitHub and remember of what computing once did look like long ago.

Valve's the latest batch of OS usage on its Steam gaming platform implies that everything is oh no- normal, with Windows 7 dropping and Windows 10 growing weight loss systems are going to be upgraded.

The 64-bit version of Windows 7 lost at the very least 11.45% Steam share recently to 57.05%, while Windows 10 64-bit increased 10.28% to 35.69%. If ever the same trend is maintained, Windows 10 could rebecome some of the best operating system on Steam inside a couple of months.

But by means of looks of products, this trend isn't necessarily attributable to more users installing Windows 10, like it appears to be approximately connected to Windows OS usage in China. In late 2017, Windows 7 experienced a dramatic boom who had been believed to be as a consequence of the release of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

Combined with the a significant increase for your personal Chinese language on Steam, experts believed the very first the result of more users running pirated versions of your respective game, hence Windows 7 adoption also increasing ¡§C despite Windows 10 itself already cracked also.
"Enter Windows 10 Spring Creators Update"

Similar theory seems to be make sense in today's times when Windows 7 is declining, as Chinese also dropped 11.69% to 52.24% recently. English, the prevalent language that gamers use, will likely be the runner-up with 23.14% and an increase of 5.52%.

A few weeks ago, Windows declined 0.37% overall on Steam, but Microsoft's desktop system still powers 97.94% inside the computers running Valve's gaming platform. Apple's OSX increased 0.31% to 1.64%, while Linux posted an increase of 0.05% to 0.33%.

Windows 10 is required to continue its recovery in April, especially because Microsoft is preparing for the details reveals Spring Creators Update usually in the month. The fresh OS version brings several improvements for gamers likewise, though it'll be interesting to see if Windows 7 remains a painful nut for you to trace given the Chinese trend.

Security researcher Ulf Frisk reports that patches to handle the Meltdown processor flaw on Windows 7 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2008 R2 machines crafted a far greater vulnerability. He claims a new flaw allows any way to read everything stored in memory "at gigabytes per second." In addition it allows begin enlarging write to arbitrary memory without "fancy exploits."

"Windows 7 already did tough work of mapping while in the required memory into every running process," Frisk states. "Exploitation was simply a matter of read to already mapped in-process virtual memory. No fancy APIs or system calls required - just standard read!"

Because of the volume of data saved in memory may be very large and complicated, Windows PCs track data using addresses on virtual and physical "maps" or "pages." The reported problem resides which also has a four-level in-memory page table hierarchy the processor's Memory Management Unit uses to translate the virtual addresses of internet data into physical addresses stored in the system memory.

As documented in Frisk, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 feature a self-referencing entry onpage Map Level 4 (PML4) in virtual memory by way of a fixed address. This address is only made available to the operating system's lowest, safest level: The kernel. Only processes which includes a "supervisor" permission have access to that fact address as well as the data in this particular table.

But Microsoft's Meltdown patches released at the start of 2018 set the permission to "user." Is the right all processes and applications can access all data placed in memory, even data only intended to be used by the operating system.

"Once read/write access has been gained about the page tables it's trivially easy to gain access into your complete physical memory, unless it is also protected by Extended Page Tables (EPTs) put to use in Virtualization," Frisk writes. "All one must do is generally to write their own personal Page Table Entries (PTEs) throughout the page tables to access arbitrary physical memory."

To prove this discovery, Frisk added a strategy to exploit the vulnerability - a memory acquisition device - within PCLeech direct memory access toolkit. However when you're trying to test the vulnerability for the Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 machine updated on March Patch Tuesday, you're at a complete loss. Microsoft switched the PML4 permission straight into "supervisor" as part of the company's blanket of security fixes for any month.

The memory problem surfaced after Microsoft distributed its Meltdown and Spectre security fixes from your January Patch Tuesday update. Windows 7 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2008 R2 machines together with the February Patch Tuesday updates are frequently vulnerable. Devices with Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 might not be vulnerable.

In any event, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 devices owners must update their machines with more recent patches distributed in March. But Frisk notes he or she discovered the vulnerability after Microsoft's March Patch Tuesday update, that has not been able to "correlate the vulnerability to known CVEs or some other known issues."

Microsoft Office once had an unquestioned stranglehold around the world of productivity suites and programs. However, the exorbitant price involved with Microsoft's suite has given rise to the retinue of options that fall outside Microsoft's banner, most of which offer diverse functionality many of the same features that define the tech titan's expansive package. The correct alternatives to Microsoft Office allow users the liberty to create and edit - many are even suitable files manufactured in Word, Excel, together with Microsoft's programs.

Choices abound, but people are not worth the time and effort (and even fewer, your hard-earned cash). Fortunately, one can find capable alternatives availed to both Windows and MacOS, whether you're the best way to quick methods spell check out copy for your resume, or string together complex formulas prior to a an important business presentation. Here are some of our favorites!

Our pick
FreeOffice

The next version of SoftMaker's FreeOffice - released in 2016 - is sold with full compatibility for DOC, DOX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPT file formats, tons of work entering into making them "loss free." And that means you won't find any unexpected surprises when transferring your files into Word, which makes the software ideal for those who desire free alternative option to Word quickly . need to work regularly with Word software.

The software can also be easy with a eyes and may be very, very familiar to Word users. The toolbars and document-creation alternatives are similar to those in the Office suite, plus the latest software updates further the actual program is quick and relatively void of loading times. Even PlanMaker, the suite's Excel alternative, offers features including conditional formatting and pivot tables, which past Excel users are able to competently jump into not having a tutorial.

FreeOffice is additionally an excellent alternative for carrying out professional projects. Not only will it provide compatibility with password-protected files, even so can also help you create PDF files or ePUB files, track document changes, and switch between languages immediately. More common features - i.e., spellcheck and smart typing - also stand in the wings, ensuring you're not missing anything Office-related.

Best web-based option
Google's G Suite/Google Apps

Google's online suite should need no introduction. The cloud-based software remains ideal if you'd like to work with others for a project - particularly if many people are familiar with Google Drive, where files should be stored and shared. The contemporary iteration of Docs supports PDFs, DOC files, and in addition iWork files, you need not deal with information being lost. Moreover it integrates several of Google's other services, including Gmail, Calendar, and Google Plus. There's and also G Suite productivity solution for businesses, which is actually strong competitor to Microsoft's Office offerings a number of enterprises.

The interface is classic Google - minimalist and oft-confusing. Certain tools or abilities continues to be hidden deep in menus or not made available for unknown reasons, which can make the software hard pick up with none previous experience. Still, if you're used Chrome or Chrome OS, you already know what to expect and shouldn't have a lot of problem navigating the menus.

Plus, the option to work on documents, edit work, and discuss changes web sites who are also focusing on the same file - all around the same window - significant useful and implemented well across different file types. For some serious, this is a reason to decide Google's offering over Microsoft's - paid . This is a great alternative for those with limited storage (like Chromebook users), or for those who need to edit from a distance.

Best full-featured option
LibreOffice

The creators of LibreOffice took a look into Microsoft Office and said, "Let's assure we can do everything Office can't." By now, the differences are extremely numerous a burglar has created a good (and lengthy) graph that showcases the extra compatibility that LibreOffice offers when compared to Microsoft's suite. This includes support for that vast number of document formats within the MacOS and Windows. If you're using more distinctive software are generally worried that Office won't have the ability handle your industry-specific formats, then LibreOffice a lot than very happy to step in.

The open-source community behind LibreOffice remains active, and consistently on the create extensions that let you equip your apps with any features you will need. Last year, an update added the famous "ribbon" in to the suite, and will more accurately ape Microsoft's offerings. Improved updates include improvements to PDF image quality, the inclusion from the RYB color wheel for max customization, and improved Linux functionality. And given both "Fresh" and Bug Hunting Beta modes are currently available, you're also sure to see regular improvements with LibreOffice.

Ultimately, if you rave about Office but are the best way to highly-customizable alternative that will expand regarding the tools Microsoft provides and give solid compatibility, LibreOffice is perfect you. As expected, learning and building LibreOffice back into the software you want may a little work, so get plenty of time to discover what's at your disposal.

Best Word clone
WPS Office

WPS's Office alternative boasts Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet, all these mimic programs in Microsoft's iconic suite. All files you create making use of these apps are going to be fully appropriate their Microsoft counterparts, and there's another suite of PDF conversion tools by chance you need to export or import during a more ready-friendly format. Plus, the suite is for sale for free on both Android and iOS devices.

WPS is ideal if you're would once a specific interface in Word programs and also mimic the skills as closely as they possibly can. No time learning new tools? Dont worry about it. Even the template options are based on Microsoft's traditional templates, that make it easy to find your selected way to start and complete a document. Plus, the interface more closely resembles newer versions of Microsoft Office than a lot of our other picks, so picking lower immediately could be even easier than you expect.

WPS isn't content to copy Microsoft in a variety of things, however. The software touts a variety of useful tools of that own, including organic new ways to change paragraph layout on your mouse, advanced section navigation, and document tabs that enable you to quickly manage multiple documents. Making WPS Office a great choice for laptops and/or schoolwork.

Best Mac option
iWork

Apple's iWork wasn't originally especially for compatibility with Office Docs, but in time to come, the developers made a decision to add more functionality. Gadgets even import Microsoft files and edit them in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote as you desire, which is a huge advantage that makes iWork just the right Office alternative for individuals working on a Mac. These days, even Windows PC users can use iWork assuming they don't mind doing this via iCloud (Apple currently doesn't offer compatible desktop versions).

Surely, accessibility is determined by your expertise in iWork than whatever else. These apps can probably produce similar documents ultimately, but they don't really resemble Microsoft office if you're thinking of the interface. Tools come in different places and are also a little more obscured than their Microsoft counterparts, thus this is your new using these apps, count on a steep learning curve before things become simple.

Also, keep in mind that iWork was designed to function alongside iCloud. If you decide you currently use iCloud, then which makes it much better to share documents above the cloud and store them off-site if required. If your whole team is fully briefed, this can be extremely useful, speculate with the aforementioned Google Docs and G Suite, you need to be on very much the same page. If you're a mobile user, ensure that note that the iWork suite is burgled three separate apps, as both versions needs to be downloaded individually.

Best option that's actually Microsoft Office
Office Online

Okay, pretty much every might be cheating quite. Office Online is Microsoft's the factor in the Google's Docs and G Suite, and it's actually pretty great, considering you don't ought to drop just one dime in working order. With it, you'll get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Onenote (wedding event use Outlook.com rather than the Outlook desktop app). Save for Access and Publisher - relatively niche programs you choose to probably don't even need if you're looking at this - you'll get nearly unfettered functionality completely free.

There are a few features missing here and there, however. As an illustration, you can't copy formatting across documents, you can't add fancy borders to Word docs, as well References ribbon fully gone entirely. Regardless, link units omission is a small investment to pay no price in the first place. The mobile apps are far more limited.

If you're seeking edit pivot tables, manage detailed databases, or execute sophisticated operations, you ought to have to look elsewhere. Office On the web is great given the cost, however, so it does offer a degree of familiarity which you won't find elsewhere, it doesn't matter how hard one more entries on our list try.

After releasing a whole new Windows 10 build of your RS4 branch yesterday, Microsoft today released a completely new Windows 10 preview for PCs. This build is produced by the RS5 branch, which represents the Windows 10 update the provider plans to release much later this year. Another update will happen sooner (in a few days), from the RS4 branch.

Windows 10 is a really service, meaning rrt had been built in an especially different way by reviewing the predecessors and so it can be regularly updated with no just fixes, but the latest features, too. Microsoft has released four major updates up to date: November Update, Anniversary Update, Creators Update, and Fall Creators Update.

This RS5 build is the platform for Windows Insiders which may have chosen the Skip Ahead option, meaning they remain to receive builds within the RS_PRERELEASE branch. Only 1 small subset of Insiders can opt into Skip Ahead, as Microsoft still needs testers helping with RS4.

This desktop build includes these particular general bug fixes and enhancements:

Fixed an issue where If you attempt to open data that is available online-only from OneDrive that hasn't been previously downloaded to your PC (marked accompanied by a green checkmark in File Explorer), your laptop or computer could bugcheck (GSOD).
Fixed a challenge resulting in the Emoji Panel not working in the last two flights.
When an activity in Task Manager is suspended, or has suspended child processes, you'll now see an icon indicating the same amount of in the Status column from the Processes tab.

Today's update bumps the Windows 10 build number for a RS5 branch from 17623 (offered to testers on March 16) to generate 17627.

It's a little odd that Microsoft would release this build with few changes. It would appear the company is contemplating releasing RS5 builds in parallel while using the RS4 branch, whether or not there isn't much of showing (Insiders have noticed that the build numbers for closely released builds from both branches are really always exactly 500 apart).

This build has three known issues:

If you open Settings and just any links to your Microsoft Store or links in tips, Settings will crash. Not limited the links to buy themes and fonts of your Microsoft Store, beyond the link to Windows Defender.
When opening .html or .pdf files with the local system (double-click, right-click > open), Microsoft Edge will not likely render the loaded content if Microsoft Edge wasn't already running before opening the file. To my workplace around the issue, you're able to open the file again without closing Microsoft Edge.
On resuming from sleep, the desktop continues to be momentarily visible before any Lock screen displays not surprisingly.

As always, don't install this in your production machine.