14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 build 9901 indeed features a bunch of new features and improvements, but in addition to all of these, it also includes some more subtle UI changes that are supposed to enhance productivity and the looks of the desktop.
The first you will notice after installing Windows 10 build 9901 is the revamped taskbar, which now has smaller icons plus an active icon indication for running apps. Each running program has a small blue line just under its icon on the taskbar to better make a difference between active and unlaunched apps.
Starting with this build, Metro apps also come with new window control buttons to minimize, maximize, and close each running program.
In addition, context menus now have a more modern look, which was previously available when right-clicking Start menu tiles. This particular improvement was also included in Windows 10 build 9888, also leaked and downloadable through unofficial channels, so it seems like Microsoft is working to make these context menus available all across the OS.
Overall, the new Windows 10 build 9901, which could be an early version of the Consumer Preview version prepared by Microsoft for spring 2015, comes with a more refined look, so the operating system as a whole indeed looks and feels more familiar. It remains to be seen, however, if these changes appeal to the majority of users or only to few.
