Microsoft is preparing to launch the Windows 10 November 2019 Update, moving its from the Insider Program to all end users. Once available, the Insider Program will become focused on Windows 10 20H1, which is already in preview on the Fast Ring and Skip Ahead branches. However, Microsoft has some changes in store for its Windows preview platform.
Specifically, the company has shuffled the pack and will no longer have a Skip Ahead branch. In doing so, Microsoft will shutter a channel that it first debuted two years ago.
Since its launch, Skip Ahead has slotted into the Windows Insider Program in the following way:
- Skip Ahead: Available to a restricted userbase who want new features as early as possible even if they may compromise stability
- Fast Ring: Still an unstable channel, the Fast Ring is available for Insiders who have first access to upcoming Windows 10 builds.
- Slow Ring: More stable and receives features after the Fast Ring.
- Release Preview: Fully stable versions of Windows 10 that is ready to be launched to all machines.
Details
In April, Microsoft merged the Skip Ahead and Fast Ring so both received Windows previews at the same time. In doing so, the purpose of the branch became less obvious. Now, the company says it will remove it entirely.
“Our goal is to provide everyone in the Fast ring the freshest builds at the same time,” explained Brandon LeBlanc, a senior program manager for the Windows Insider Program.
This means when Insiders head to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Inisder Program, the branch will not appear.
Microsoft has previously removed Skip Ahead, taking the channel down before Windows 10 Redstone 4 was launched. However, the company brought the preview ring back a few months later. This time, the removal seems to be more permanent.
