Microsoft just released the second update for the Technical Preview of Windows 10 and on a surprising note, the company has also announced that it will be releasing ISO files for each build of the operating system.
The news comes days after the company finally started making the installation files for Windows 8.1 available for download to the masses for free to easily recover when reinstallation of the operating system is needed and you don’t have the recovery discs.
The only catch to download the Windows 10 preview ISO is that you’ll to have wait a little longer, because Microsoft will only make an ISO of Windows 10 available for download through the Windows Insider Program in the Slow ring. Today’s build 9879 has been released to the Fast ring of the Windows Insider Program, which means that there isn’t a new ISO to download.
Here is the Microsoft statement:
“We heard from you loud and clear you want ISO images of the new builds we release. We felt it was important to listen to that and give you what you want – but there’s a catch. Getting the update & install data from our Preview Builds mechanism is super important for us. It helps us ensure smooth ESD distribution, download, and upgrade success for this program going forward, and also will help us ensure great upgrades for people once we release Windows 10. So we’re going to release the ISOs at the same time as we publish to the Slow ring. That means if you want to be FIRST and FASTEST to get the build, you’ll need to use our Preview Builds mechanisms (either automatic or Check Now in PC Settings to download.) If you must have an ISO you’ll have to be a bit more patient. I hope that you’ll consider that a fair tradeoff.”
This is a good news, starting with Windows Technical Preview build 9879 means that you won’t have to resource to workarounds to install the operating system on your Surface Pro 3 using the VHDX method.
Update: If you can’t wait for Microsoft to release the ISO version of the operating system, you can download the enterprise version of build 9879 now.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].