Skip to main content

RTM candidate for Windows 10 Anniversary Update named by internal sources

Right now, the latest build served up in the Windows Insider program is 14383, which was released on Thursday to participants in the Fast Ring. However, according to the latest Windows 10 rumor from “internal sources,” the first Release To Manufacturing (RTM) candidate is Build 14384, a single digit away from the current preview release. That, folks, indicates that Microsoft is finally wrapping up Redstone 1 (RS1) development, aka the Anniversary Update.

Although RS1 development seems to be coming to a close, Windows Insider lead Dona Sarkar indicated on Thursday that the team is still taking fixes for Anniversary Update. She added that her team “scrutinizes” each fix more thoroughly in “Ask Mode,” and that participant feedback is still vital data for all Anniversary Update approvals.

Recommended Videos

According to the unnamed internal sources, Build 14384 will be the first RTM candidate, and that a final version of RS1 will likely be offered to Insiders by the end of next week. Typically, there’s more than just one RTM candidate brewed up by Microsoft. In fact, multiple builds are generated and then pulled through rigorous internal testing. The version with the least amount of issues will earn the official RTM badge.

Officially, Microsoft no longer uses the “RTM” terminology. That’s because Windows 10 is now a service, meaning the platform will gradually evolve over time rather than the company dumping new versions on the market every three years or so. That applies to huge updates like Anniversary Update as well, although there’s really no other way to describe a mega-update’s development conclusion than by sticking with the old-school RTM terminology.

There’s still time to flood Microsoft with feedback about Anniversary Update before it is scheduled to go public on August 2. After that, Microsoft is expected to switch gears and begin working on Redstone 2 (RS2), which is slated to go public sometime around spring 2017. This mega-update sequel will supposedly begin hitting the Windows Insider program through builds in the 148xx range during the second half of August.

Thus, to find out when Insiders are actually using a build designed for RS2, they will be able to simply look at the build’s version number on screen. For example, Insiders can currently see the RS1 label within the build’s watermark, such as “Build 14379.rs1_release.160627-1607.” That “rs1” portion will likely be exchanged for “rs2”… if Microsoft continues to use the watermark, that is.

“The desktop watermark is now gone. This is because we’re beginning to check in final code in preparation for releasing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to customers on August 2,” Sarkar said on Thursday regarding the new 14383 build. “It’s feeling like ship season around here and we can’t wait to see what you think of this build.”

From this point on, the Anniversary Update features are locked and loaded, and preview builds will thus focus on improvements and fixes for both PC and mobile. We’re eager to get our hands on the “RTM” build, so stay tuned for news surrounding that highly anticipated release.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
If you use a VPN, don’t skip this important Windows 11 update
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 rear view showing lid and logo.

It's not you; Windows is causing the issues this time. If the VPN on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer is having a hard time connecting, it is likely because of Microsoft's April security updates for Windows 11 (KB5036893 for) and Windows 10 (KB5036892), which have been reported to be the cause of the problems.

But there's good news. According to Microsoft, a patch is now available to fix the VPN problems users are experiencing.

Read more
The latest Windows update is breaking VPN connections
Windows Update running on a laptop.

Microsoft has acknowledged that the Windows security updates for April 2024 (KB5036893 for Windows 11, KB5036892 for Windows 10) are causing disruptions to virtual private network (VPN) connections across various client and server platforms. According to information on the Windows health dashboard, devices running Windows may experience VPN connection failures following the installation of either the April 2024 security update or the April 2024 non-security preview update.

The company has also stated that it is actively investigating user reports regarding these issues and will share more details in the coming days. The impacted Windows versions include Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 onward.

Read more
Microsoft plans to charge for Windows 10 updates in the future
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Microsoft has confirmed it will offer security updates for Windows 10 after the end-of-life date for the operating system for consumer users but for a fee.

The brand recently announced plans to charge regular users for Extended Security Updates (ESU) who intend to continue using Windows 10 beyond the October 14, 2025 support date.

Read more