Skip to main content

Windows 10 RTM could be just one click away from Technical Preview testers

windows 10 testers to be able update rtm hassle free notifications center
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Windows 10 is hands down its most crowd-sourced platform iteration, welcoming everyone’s help and guidance in pre-release form as part of the Technical Preview operation.

Redmond has promised to listen to your suggestions, and tweak Win 10 by popular demand where needed. But TP users and Windows Insider Program members might be in for another perk in addition to the honor and responsibility of actively fine-tuning the software slated for a “late 2015” wide-scale rollout.

According to Microsoft veteran Gabriel Aul, the company’s “intent” is to let testers update from TP to RTM (release to manufacturing) when the latter firmware is available for the masses. “Update”, as in keep the experimental software, and patch it for stability purposes, we presume. Hassle-free, and (hopefully) purchase-free.

The second part is a wild guess at the moment, as Microsoft hasn’t alluded to Windows 10’s pricing (or lack thereof) in its introductory announcements and cryptic teaser messages so far. Rumor is folks running 7, 8 or 8.1 will get a free pass to version 10 in around nine months, but given the company’s silence on the retail costs front it’s perhaps wise to remain skeptical.

After all, if they were holding such a wild card up their sleeves, you’d think they’d be quick to whip it out and gloat. Then again, maybe they’re taking their time for the prospective shock factor.

Either way, it’s good to note Gabe Aul’s very specific and cautious phrasing in regard to the RTM update possibility. “Intent” is a long way from certainty, and until seeing the magic upgrade button, it’s best to not believe what seems too good easy to be true.

Editors' Recommendations

Adrian Diaconescu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adrian is a mobile aficionado since the days of the Nokia 3310, and a PC enthusiast since Windows 98. Later, he discovered…
Windows 11’s taskbar may get a handy feature from Windows 10
Laptop sitting on a desk showing Windows 11's built-in Microsoft Teams experience.

If you're a heavy multitasker in Windows 11, you might have noticed that your taskbar might be a little messy when you have too many apps open at once. Windows 10 had a handy overflow feature to help in that situation, and according to a noted Windows leaker on Twitter, it could soon make a comeback on Windows 11.

While Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything about this just yet, @thebookisclosed is the one who has the specifics of the feature. With it, you should be able to see and access all of your open apps in a new overflow bin in the Windows 11 taskbar.

Read more
How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10
Windows 11 on a tablet.

If you're not happy with Windows 11's new Start menu and Taskbar, then you're not alone. These are probably the two most contentious changes to the new operating system, and in this guide, we show you how to make Windows 11 look a little more like Windows 10.

Read more
How to uninstall Windows 10 and downgrade to Windows 8.1
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 windows 10

Windows 10 has been a critical success since its release, but if you need or want to revert to an older version of Windows, you can uninstall Windows 10 and downgrade to Windows 8.1 or even Windows 7.

Be aware, though, that new computers (especially tablets) may contain components that weren’t manufactured when older Windows versions like Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 were being sold. This might mean that if you downgrade, you'll run into driver issues, and your display, keyboard, and networking might not work right.

Read more