Microsoft recently released Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9860 and this new update boasts over 7,000 improvements from the original build 9841 release. Many of the new changes were based on feedback summited by users, over 250,000 pieces of them that Microsoft has received through the Windows Feedback tool, 25,381 posts from forums, and 641 suggestions in the Windows Suggestion Box.
One of the most important changes is that with Windows 10, Microsoft will now be pushing updates faster than before, we’re already seeing this with the build 9860 release, and even though we don’t have a set schedule for every new update we do have the “ring progression”.
Microsoft explains that every day a new Windows 10 build is compiled and sent out to the “Canary ring”, then Operating System Group (OSG) is the first on test this new build. Once they validate the code stability, the build is sent out to the Microsoft group with tens of thousands people to test the more stable bits. Finally, after the build is proven to be stable, it’s sent out to the Windows Insider Fast and later to the Windows Insider Slow (all of us).
With that short explanation about how the ring progression works, you’ll notice that in PC settings, under Update and recovery, there is an entry new to Windows 10 called “Preview builds”. Here is where you go to update your system to the latest Windows 10 build, but starting with build 9860, you can now choose how fast a new build are made available to you. By default it’s set to “Slow”, meaning that you’ll get a version of Windows that is more stable and complete every time. But if you’re a power-user and you want to get your hands on the new bits faster, you can change this setting to “Fast”. Just remember you’ll get a new version of Windows 10, but Fast means more bugs and less stable code.
Don’t forget to check my full Windows 10 and Threshold coverage.
Are you running the latest version of Windows 10? Which “Preview builds” option are you using: Slow or Fast?
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].