For users without two-factor authentication enabled, GitHub now requires additional verification when you first sign in from an unrecognized device. After providing your username and password, you will be asked to provide a verification code that we will send to you via email. Once your new device has been verified, you will be signed in and will not be asked to verify the device again.
GitHub Desktop 2.1 removes unused branches from your local repository after they’ve been merged and deleted on GitHub.com to help keep your branch list relevant and uncluttered.