Windows 10 Insider Preview 17093 Brings New Game Bar, HDR Video, And Enhanced Multi-GPU Support

Windows 10 Insiders who are living on the bleeding edge in the Fast ring, which is the tier that receives new, less polished builds ahead of Windows Insiders in the Slow ring, have a new version of Windows 10 to play with today. Microsoft released build 17093 to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring, and with it comes several Game bar improvements, expanded HDR video access, and a few other nifty features.

The Game bar is getting a complete makeover in Windows 10, and Insiders can play around with it in the latest pre-release build. Microsoft's intent is to make it easier for gamers to find what they are looking for. There are now buttons on the Game bar to toggle the microphone and camera, edit the title of a Mixer stream, and to take users to their captures. It also has a clock to quickly check the time, and different themes to choose from.

As for HDR video, Microsoft notes that many newer devices are capable of playing HDR content, but need to be calibrated at the factory to enable the feature.

"Now, we are expanding HDR video access to more users via new functionality via Settings > Apps > Video playback. If the 'Stream HDR video' toggle can be switched to 'On', your device can be calibrated for HDR video," Microsoft explains.

This is an experimental tool. To try it out, click the link "Change calibration settings for HDR video on my built-in display." From there, you can adjust the settings to find a balance between details in dark scenes and bright scenes. Microsoft notes that the calibration tool is in its early stage, and that it is particularly interested in any feedback on the tool as it gets it ready for a broad release.


Microsoft also baked in new graphics settings for multi-GPU systems. On such systems, users will find a new Graphics settings page to manage the graphics performance of apps

"You may be familiar with similar graphics control panels from AMD and Nvidia, and you can continue to use those control panels. When you set an application preference in the Windows Graphics settings, that will take precedence over the other control panel settings. Find the page by going to Settings > System > Display and scrolling down to the 'Advanced graphics settings' link," Microsoft says.

Finally, the new build contains some diagnostic data improvements, and specifically the ability to delete diagnostic data that Microsoft has collected, a redesigned security settings page, and a spattering of other changes.