Skip to main content

Still waiting for a new Windows 10 build? Here’s why

Windows 7 desktop.
Mr.Follow/Windows Wikia
Anyone using the Windows 10 Technical Preview has probably wondered why updates for Microsoft’s upcoming operating system have not exactly been coming at a fast and furious pace. Microsoft has taken to its official blog to talk about the updates, and it has offered an explanation as to why it’s choosing to hold them back.

To put it simply, Microsoft is erring on the side of caution. Instead of rapidly pushing out updates that may feature more bugs and issues, the team is choosing to publicly push updates that it feels are more stable. However, Microsoft’s Gabe Aul does admit that it has “been too conservative about pushing builds to the Fast ring for Windows Insiders.”

The Fast ring is meant for users who prefer more frequent updates, even though those updates might be a little less stable. However, Aul suggests that the distinction between fast and slow isn’t enough, with the update frequency barely varying between the two.

On the topic of why Microsoft hasn’t been consistently announcing dates for new builds, Aul said, “If we announce a date, we’ll want to have a very high confidence of hitting it.” Essentially, it doesn’t want to disappoint users by promising a date and not delivering. Of course, remaining silent on updates is disappointing in and of itself, which puts Microsoft in a tough spot.

Going forward, though, the team is discussing possible changes on the frequency of updates for Windows Insiders. Aul also claims that Microsoft is planning to push another update to Windows 10 Technical Preview owners late this week or early next week. He also says that there could be multiple updates in March, but if the aforementioned pace is any indication, it’s possible that neither of those things take place.

Editors' Recommendations

Dave LeClair
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Dave LeClair has been writing about tech and gaming since 2007. He's covered events, hosted podcasts, created videos, and…
Microsoft Copilot sounds great. Here’s why I definitely won’t use it
Using Windows 11 copilot to summarize a document.

A lot of Microsoft's September event was dedicated to Copilot, Bing Chat, and other AI-driven features. In a way, the updates made to laptops like the Surface Laptop Studio 2 almost felt like an afterthought. It was a real AI fest -- and no wonder, as Microsoft has certainly created something bragworthy.

Despite how impressive Copilot seems to be, I can't see myself actually using it. It's a neat party trick, but my concerns with the AI outweigh any upsides it might have.
AI everywhere

Read more
The best Windows apps for 2023
dell xps 13 2018 review version 1541544414 screen hero2

There are plenty of apps available in the Microsoft Store, but the best Windows apps can remain elusive. Calendar apps are a popular choice for those looking to improve productivity, and there are plenty of free apps you can choose from if you don't want to pay for the privilege.

To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of the best Windows 10 and Windows 11 apps for every user to try out, whether you want better productivity or just seek to be entertained.
Best Windows apps for productivity

Read more
Surface Pro 10: here’s what to expect from the next generation
The Surface Pro 9 in laptop mode on a table.

Microsoft has consistently put out a new version of its most popular Surface device, the Surface Pro. With it due to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, it's an important milestone for the device and may herald some exciting changes and upgrades over the still-impressive last-generation device, the Surface Pro 9.

As we edge closer to its impending release, here's what we know about the Surface Pro 10 so far.

Read more