Windows 10 build 10240 is RTM, manufacturers will install this build on new PCs

Windows 10 won't have an official release-to-manufacturing version, as the company is moving towards Windows as a Service, which means that the operating system will never be done.

Windows 10 desktop and Joe Belfiore

If you’ve been waiting for Windows 10 RTM and you’re an Insider running build 10240, then you’re already running the final version of Windows 10. According to a new report Windows 10 won’t have an official “RTM”, “final”, or “gold” version, as the latest preview build is what Microsoft is already handing over to manufacturers and it will be the version PCs will ship on July 29th.

While previous versions of the operating system always had a gold version, a version that the company signs off as complete, with Windows 10 everything is changing. Now that Microsoft is moving to a Windows as a Service model, nothing is ever actually complete, it’s always a work in progress.

This means that Windows Insiders are already using the best version available, but of course further updates will roll out starting July 29th, as hotfixes to patch, improve, and stabilize the operating system for a more complete experience.

Additionally, at launch no everyone will get to upgrade, first Windows Insiders will get updated, then slowly and gradually Microsoft will start pushing Windows 10 to those who reserved a free copy. For some users may take days and even weeks before they can actually upgrade.

Knowing that Microsoft won’t be making available Windows 10 to everyone further clears up that the operating system is not really complete. However, the company is counting on its team of programmers to quickly improve the operating system to allow more computers to upgrade.

If you have reserved a copy of Windows using the “Get Windows 10” app, you may noticed that the app also generated a profile of your system, which tells you whether your PC is ready for Windows 10 and if there are any issues. However, what you might not know is that the information gets sent out to Microsoft. In the case there are problems, chances are you won’t get Windows 10 until the company fixes the issues, and this is part of what the company refers as Windows as a Service — Windows 10 will never be done.

Source Thurrott

About the author

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.