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New Windows 10 'Redstone 5' test build adds Sets, tabbed File Explorer

Microsoft is reintroducing its Sets windows-management technology in its latest Windows 10 Redstone 5 test build.
Written by Mary Jo Foley, Senior Contributing Editor

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Microsoft released the second Windows 10 "Redstone 5" test build to those in the Skip Ahead ring on March 7.

That build, No. 17618, brings back the Sets feature that Microsoft cut from Redstone 4 earlier this year. Sets is a window-management tool that allows users to group together web pages, documents, files, and apps and work with them in tabs.

In Redstone 4, only a subset of testers got to try out Sets; with this build of Redstone 5, everyone in the Skip Ahead ring gets to test drive Sets. And testers who previously got to try Sets now will see additional new features in the feature, according to Microsoft officials.

Read also: Windows 10 'Redstone 4' test build adds diagnostics-delete button

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(Image: Microsoft's Jen Gentleman)

In 17618, Sets works with a bunch of Microsoft apps, including Mail, Calendar, OneNote, MSN News, Windows, and Edge. Sets also supports several of Microsoft's own desktop/Win32 apps, including File Explorer, Notepad, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

There are a lot of fixes to Windows 10 included in 17618 in everything from touchpad gestures, to the overall look and feel. There are also some known issues in the build worth pointing out, especially for those who are interested in using Windows Mixed Reality. Microsoft also is warning that the Microsoft Store may be completely broken or missing with this build (though there is a workaround).

The full list of fixes and known issues is in the March 7 blog post about 17618.

Redstone 5 is expected to be released to mainstream users around October 2018.

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