Members of the Windows Insider Program on the Fast Ring have not been receiving app updates recently. Microsoft has confirmed that it has stopped Fast Ring app updates for the time being. However, Slow Ring releases are still being rolled out.
Brandon LeBlanc, senior program manager at Microsoft, took to Twitter to explain why Skype Preview builds are available on the Slow Ring but not on the Fast Ring. He said the company needs to test coverage on app versions in the build.
Following on, LeBlanc added that this is the case for all apps, such as Groove and Movies & TV. Microsoft does say this delay is short term and app updates will resume as normal.
The company’s explanation suggests that it is testing the final versions of apps that will come with the Windows 10 Creators Update.
Yup. Once folks feel good about inbox apps, will ship updates to Fast again.
— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) February 28, 2017
The Creators Update is going to launch to end users in April.
Luckily there is an easy workaround for Windows Insiders who want to update their apps. Users can simply switch to the Slow Ring on their PC or phone and update the apps through the Windows Store. When the download is complete, switch back to the Fast Ring.
Working Towards the Creators Update
This is the latest sign of Microsoft now preparing for the release of the Windows 10 Creators Update. Windows Insiders on the Fast Ring are now getting more frequent updates to test and provide feedback on.
These releases are featuring less new additions and focusing on fixing previous issues. Frequent preview builds will continue to ship this month ahead of the Creators Update launch in April.
