Elasticsearch Curator 4.1 introduces several new features designed to enhance the user experience and functionality of the tool. Key updates include the implementation of Configuration Validation, which prevents misconfiguration by ensuring all options are within acceptable parameters, thereby avoiding errors like unintended index selection. Users can now filter indices by alias or count, allowing them to manage their data more effectively by selecting indices based on their inclusion in aliases or preserving a specified number of recent indices or snapshots. Additionally, Curator 4.1 allows the use of environment variables in configuration and action files, providing more flexibility, although this feature is still experimental and should be used with caution. These updates collectively aim to improve data management and configuration efficiency while maintaining safety through recommended practices like the use of the --dry-run flag for testing.