Did you know that Windows 10 is getting a huge visual revamp? The update has the codename "Sun Valley," and while we don't know all the details just yet, what we do know sounds exciting.
Let's explore the Sun Valley update, what we know about it, and why you might see it on your computer sooner than you think.
What Is the Sun Valley Update?
Sun Valley is the codename for a huge revamp of Windows 10. From what we can tell, the revamp seems to be entirely visual and shouldn't affect how the operating system works on a fundamental level.
We first caught wind of this update back in October 2020, when a Microsoft Insider leaked information about Sun Valley. At the time, we had very few clues as to what this update would do; all we knew was that the Start menu and the File Explorer UI were slated for a visual revision.
Then, the news lines went completely dead until January 2021. More information bubbled to the surface once again when Microsoft posted a job advertisement asking developers to help with a "sweeping visual rejuvenation" of Windows 10.
This job advertisement declared that the revamp will "signal to our customers that Windows is BACK and ensure that Windows is considered the best user OS experience for customers." As such, Sun Valley evolved from tweaking few elements to an entire operating system overhaul.
Sun Valley Makes Its Way to Windows 10
You may be surprised to hear that elements of this "sweeping visual rejuvenation" are already making their way to Windows 10.
At the time of writing, these changes are only on the Windows Insider build, which acts as a testbed for users who want to see updates before anyone else. However, they should make their way onto the main Windows 10 branch soon enough.
First up, the Windows 10 clock and alarm apps got a touch-up to Sun Valley standards. This includes a rolling number selector, which changes the color of each entry as you select it.
Then, shortly afterward, Microsoft announced that it was updating Windows 10's system icons too. These bring the icons up to speed with what the company calls the "Microsoft Fluent Design style" and look a lot smoother and rounded than their older counterparts.
When Will Sun Valley Release for Windows 10?
As of today, Microsoft has not given us a solid release date for Sun Valley. However, there is a good chance we're in the middle of the Sun Valley release right now.
The new Sun Valley clock and icons are already on the Insider branch. As such, Microsoft may not want to perform one huge update that radically changes everything in Windows 10. It's more likely that the company wants to avoid confusing its userbase by drip-feeding smaller features over time.
It's always a good idea for a developer to keep its operating system in modern times, but changing everything overnight can really throw people into a bind. Suddenly, everything works and looks different, and it can cause frustration while people re-learn what does what.
This becomes even more of a problem when you consider Windows 10 in a business environment. Companies depend on their machines being active and easy to use to keep business flowing. If an update messes with that, a business can lose money as a result.
As such, we'll likely see Sun Valley come out as many smaller updates instead of one huge one. That way, people can adjust to the new clock app, then the shiny new system icons, then a new Start menu, a new File Explorer... before you know it, the entire operating system has evolved, and people are still comfortable.
Sun Valley, Coming (Slowly) to a PC Near You
Sun Valley is a huge revamp for Windows 10, but it may not come all at once. If the previous updates are anything to go by, you may see little nuggets arrive on Windows 10 until it's fully revamped.
There are still some previews of the Sun Valley revamp that still haven't made their way to the Insider build. For instance, a recent batch of images from the proposed redesign shows a more rounded Windows menus version.
Image Credit: Anton Watman / Shutterstock.com
