These are exciting times for Windows Insiders. If you choose the skip ahead option, you can skip the next update and start working on it right away. Not that of this end of the year, but the beginning of 2020. According to Microsoft, it contains many new features that require a longer test time.
First of all, a clarification: Windows Insiders are testers who try out beta versions of Windows 10 before the general public gets to work with them. These can be enthusiasts, but also developers and IT admins who can fine-tune their applications for the next major Windows 10 update. To become a Windows Insider you can do so here.
Today there are four channels to choose from: Fast, Slow, Skip Ahead and Release Preview. The first two let you test the current Windows 10-update that Microsoft is working on. Today it is Windows version 1903, code name 19H1 (1st half of 2019). Fast gives you early access to beta versions with potential bugs. Slow is a slower variant where most of the bugs are already flattened. Release Preview is the last phase where Microsoft thinks the update is stable enough for a broad rollout.
Skip Ahead
Skip Ahead is available for Windows Insiders when a Windows 10 update is almost finished. Then testers are presented with the next update that Microsoft is working on. Today it is Windows 10 19H2 which is planned for this end year.
Now Microsoft has a surprise ready for the Skip Ahead option. Windows Insiders beat Windows 10 19H2 and suddenly work on Windows 10 20H1 which is scheduled for spring 2020.
Microsoft has just launched build 18836 within Skip Ahead which forms the basis for Windows 10 20H1. According to the software giant, there are certain elements in 20H1 that require a longer development time. That’s why they’re already rolling out a test version today. For the time being, it contains few exciting new features and rather bugfixes to provide a solid basis for future builds.
Windows Insiders who prefer to work with Windows 10 19H2, still have to be patient. According to Microsoft, this will only be released in the coming months when 19H1 is almost ready to roll out to a wide audience. Then 19H1 also appears as a Release Preview and the last straight line is set towards a global rollout.
Update policy
It is striking to see Microsoft take a big step forward. Windows 10 19H2 may contain only a limited number of new features and Microsoft wants to take enough lead time to Windows 10 20H1 to fundamentally address a number of issues. Since the dramatic roll-out of the major Windows 10 update in October last year, Microsoft has been under pressure to do better.
The previous update was even revoked by one month because it deleted files, along with a lot of other problems. It raises questions about Microsoft’s quality control and especially whether the company’s biannual update rate since Windows 10 is not too fast. The new approach may be a step in the right direction.
This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.