Hello Windows Insiders!

Staying up-to-date is extremely important. Not only is this the best way to explore the latest and greatest features we’re working on, it’s an important factor in keeping your device secure. While we pride ourselves in releasing strong build candidates during a development cycle, we know there are unexpected bugs that make it out to Windows Insiders. Sometimes those bugs impact the ability of a PC to install a particular update, or from taking additional updates beyond. It is of course one of our goals to not to put machines in this state, but preview builds have rough edges sometimes!

Knowing the importance of staying updated, we want to talk about a new program we’ll be implementing to help users catch up if they’ve become stuck on an older build. Our goal is simple: to help these machines get back to a good state and installing new builds once again. While it is of course possible to create a bootable USB and update using ISOs, not all users have experience with this process.

As we identify pockets of “stuck” devices, we will work to bypass these update issues and will share messaging to drive awareness around remedying these machines. We are setting targets for build age to identify which PCs are out-of-date so we know which devices aren’t updating to the newer builds they’re expecting to receive. The inability to install an update is an area that we’re extremely focused on not only because we think it’s important, but because Windows Insiders have told us it’s important. It’s not nearly as fun to be in the Windows Insider program if you can’t install new builds!

Each time we work through a new development cycle, Windows evolves with new features, new functionality, and most importantly, it becomes more secure. Staying up-to-date is the best way to take advantage of these new features and to help ensure your machine remains secure. Our ultimate goal with this effort is to do just that: help you stay current. Stay tuned for future announcements as we move forward with this effort.

Thank you as always!

Jason