The next big Windows 10 update has a release date: October 17th! What does this mean, other than to set a system backup reminder on October 16th?

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft is planning another raft of updates for the world's second most popular operating system. At the IFA Keynote in Berlin, Terry Meyerson, VP of Windows and Devices group, confirmed the initial rollout schedule.

The update will finally sound the death knell for the now ancient email program, Outlook Express. On the other hand -- and in a decision that received an enormous amount of backlash earlier in 2017 -- the original Paint application will also be depreciated. Due to that user backlash, Paint will not be entirely removed from Windows, but its best features will switch to Paint 3D (its successor). Original Paint will no longer receive updates -- maybe it is time to use an alternative.

Perhaps the single biggest feature of the update is new support for virtual reality headsets. Microsoft calls this its Mixed Reality platform, offering support for headsets from Acer, Dell, Lenovo, and HP (all of which will begin shipping on the same day). Unlike the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, these headsets do not require external tracking boxes, simply plugging directly into your PC via a HDMI and USB cable, although the Dell model will use a single USB-C cable.

The range of headsets will also work with the SteamVR platform, and a list of suitable games will appear in the near future.

Aside from the death of Paint and support for VR headsets, the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will bring OneDrive Files On-Demand support, as well as some aspects of the new Fluent Design ethos to some built-in apps.

One small-but-cool feature is the new emoji picker keyboard. It will activate using a new shortcut, allowing users to quickly scroll through a long list of popular emojis within Windows 10 apps.

Roll On October...

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update looks set to introduce a range of new features, but some bits didn't make the cut. Two of the most exciting features showed off at the Microsoft Build conference earlier this year were "Timeline" and "Pick Up Where I Left Off," neither of which will make the final update package -- this time around, at least.

Luckily, Joe Belfiore, head of the Windows Experience and Edge browser, confirmed that it will appear in Insider Preview builds shortly after the Fall Creators Update hits our systems.

If you'd like to try the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update ahead of time, sign-up to the Windows Insider Preview scheme. However, it does mean your system will update more regularly than usual, and you will encounter frustrating bugs from time-to-time. In my experience, it has been worthwhile.

Otherwise, go ahead and set that calendar reminder for October 16th, and your big system backup.

Are you looking forward to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? Or is it just another opportunity for Microsoft to break something on your system? Will you pickup one of the new virtual reality masks? Or wait to see how their quality compares to the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift? Let us know your thoughts below!