Skip to main content

Windows Insiders can now jump ahead of the Fall Creators Update

At Build 2017, Microsoft confirmed that the Fall Creators Update for Windows 10 would be distributed to users before the end of the year. Now, there are signs that active development is coming to a close — and users who are part of the Insider program can opt in to preview the next big feature update, which has not yet been officially announced.

The Fall Creators Update is currently at the stage of development where builds that were previously part of the RS_PRERELEASE branch are now being transitioned over to the RS3_RELEASE branch, according to a report from Windows Supersite. This means that they are undergoing the final stages of internal testing ahead of their wide release.

Recommended Videos

From this point onward, fixing bugs and performance issues will be the priority, rather than adding new features. Members of the Insider program might not find that all too compelling, so they’re being given the option to skip ahead to the next update, which is known by the code name Redstone 4. Microsoft hasn’t offered up this opportunity for the three previous Windows 10 feature updates.

Apparently, only a limited number of Insider program members will be permitted to test out Redstone 4 at this time, according to comments published via the Windows Feedback Hub. It stands to reason that more and more users will be admitted as we get closer to the update’s expected spring 2018 release date.

Anyone that wants to opt in to this testing should open the Settings app, and navigate to the Windows Insider Program link in the Update & Security section. Using the dropdown menu labelled ‘What kind of content would you like to receive?’ select ‘Skip ahead to the next Windows release.’ The app will then advise you on whether or not there are any remaining spots for testers.

It’s worth remembering that Redstone 4 is very early pre-release software. Insider program members are used to builds sometimes being a little rough around the edges, but with so much work to do, things are likely to get even more unstable before they start to improve. Still, users who want to remain on the cutting edge of Windows 10 will want to opt in while there are still spots available.

Brad Jones
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
Can’t get the Windows 11 22H2 update? There could be a good reason why
heres whats coming in windows 10 build 11099 hello

If you've been waiting for the Windows 11 22H2 update or just noticed that one computer hasn't been asking you to update while others have, there could be a very good reason for the delay. If you've been tempted to manually install the latest version by using the Update Now button or the Media Creation Tool, Microsoft recommends against it.

According to Microsoft, the Windows 11 22H2 update could interfere with signing in with Windows Hello in some circumstances. Microsoft notes that the trouble arises on devices that have Windows Hello enabled before installing the update. However, setting up Windows Hello afterward doesn't cause any issues.

Read more
The latest Windows update is causing major printer problems
A Dell laptop with Windows 10 sitting on a desk.

Microsoft is now offering Windows 10 users a workaround for an issue that has come along with a mid-July update.

The KB5015807 update, which rolled out on July 12 and includes OS Builds 19042.1826, 19043.1826, and 19044.1826 all have a glitch that affects printers connected to computers running Windows 10. After the update is installed, you might see multiple printer listings available when you only have one product.

Read more
The Windows 11 update rollout has finally ended
Person sitting and using a Windows Surface computer with Windows 11.

Windows 11 is now available for everyone, over seven months since the rollout began in October 2021. As of yesterday, Windows 11 has been designated for broad deployment, which means any PC that meets the minimum requirements can now acquire the operating system through Windows Update.

Until now, Microsoft has rolled out the option to upgrade to Windows 11 based on the device's hardware compatibility. Now anyone can get the update, as long as they still meet those minimum standards.

Read more