Initial post release updates for Windows 10 Insiders will be full builds versus update packages

According to Microsoft the post release Windows Insider Program will be initially be very similar to the pre-release program with full builds being delivered with updates.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

August 4, 2015

3 Min Read
Initial post release updates for Windows 10 Insiders will be full builds versus update packages

Earlier today I shared with you that it was once again possible to get actively enrolled in the Insider Program on the 29 July release version of Windows 10.

Although we did not have any info about when the updates would start flowing again from the Windows team a tweet from Gabe Aul, the new VP of WDG Engineering Systems, indicated it would not be too far down the road.

That is great news for those who will remain Insiders on the desktop side.

On the other hand, those who are excited about Windows 10 Mobile and are desperate for an updated build do not want to hear about new updates for the desktop version of Windows 10. They want to see progress on the mobile side of the house and a focused effort to move that version of Windows 10 forward.

Gabe did verify on Twitter today that build 10240 has a blocking bug for mobile so that means a new build has to get the fix and then run through Microsoft's internal rings before it gets pushed to Fast Ring Insiders. They are also apparently moving Windows 10 Mobile to a new branch after the release of Windows 10 for the desktop and that process adds some delay.

While we wait on that fixed mobile build we also learned today that the initial updates which Microsoft will push to Windows Insiders for the release version of Windows 10 will come in the form of new builds instead of update packages delivered over Windows Update.

That basically means it will be just like it was in the pre-release Windows Insider Program and require an install instead of just an update. 

I am sure there is a very good engineering reason for this but it is also not the most likely method these updates will be pushed to end users of Windows 10. Installing a new build is labor intensive and requires reconfiguring your Start Menu, Taskbar layout and other system settings to get back up to speed.

If only there was a feature to restore the settings, apps and layout for a particular device. Oh wait - that has been pulled from Windows 10.

I guess that is another good reason for not enrolling a production device into the Insider Program so this process does not disrupt your ability to operate normally on your primary device.

Gabe did not give any timeline on when we would see the first updated build on desktops however, he did use the term builds which might just be semantics or an indication that we will see more than one build in the post Windows 10 release testing before the shift to updated packages through Windows Update.

What are your plans for the Insider program in the post release world of Windows 10?

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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