Microsoft releases (nearly) final version of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update to Insiders. This time around the company is rolling out preview build 16288 for PCs enrolled in the Fast ring, and while the update doesn’t introduce new features or significant changes, you’ll notice that the watermark in the lower right-corner has now disappeared.
In addition, starting with Windows 10 build 16288, the OS now reports “version 1709,” which is the official version number for the Fall Creators Update. However, Microsoft explains that this is not the final version of Windows 10, as the team is entering in the final stages of finalizing the code for the October 17 release.
The company also says that there will be more builds until the code is complete, and the watermark will reappear in some of the builds.
Windows 10 build 16288 improvements
As for new changes, this flight addresses a number of issues with the Windows Shell, more specifically on the Start menu, power user menu, and during login.
On input, Windows 10 build 16288 fixes problems with the full touch keyboard layout and handwriting panel.
Microsoft Edge also gets a bunch of bug fixes related to PDF, tabs, navigation, copy and paste, and more. Finally, on devices, this new Windows 10 Insider Preview build addresses issues with USBhub.sys that cause sudden Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). Additional fixes can also be found on the Settings app, OneDrive, and Spotlight.
Microsoft is listing the complete set of improvements for Windows 10 Insider build 16288 at the Windows Blog. In case you missed it, you can read all the changes for Windows 10 build 16281 in this article.
Alongside build 16288, Microsoft is also releasing Windows 10 Mobile build 15250 with two-factor authentication, AppLocker and VPN improvements, and a slew of fixes.
How to download Windows 10 build 16288
Although there are no ISO files for Windows 10 build 16288, the update is available immediately through the Fast ring for PCs. This preview build will download and install automatically on your device, but you can always force the update from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button.
You can also check out these resources:
It should be noted that at the time of this writing a number of users are reporting an error message that reads: “An update is being prepared for your device, but it’s not quite ready yet. We’ll keep trying or you can try again now,” and it’s preventing users from downloading this particular build. However, Microsoft is aware of of the issue and is investigating it.
Update September 13, 2017: Microsoft has reported that has fixed the issue prevent users from downloading build 16288, but it may take a little of time until Insiders can actually get the update.
Update September 17, 2017: Windows 10 build 16288 is now available in the Slow ring for testers.
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 15 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 21 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].