Windows 10 Mobile is Also Updated to 10586.164

In tandem with today’s release of Windows 10 1511 build 10586.164, Microsoft has likewise updated the current shipping version of Windows 10 Mobile with a cumulative update that increments the build number accordingly.

Actually, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. In addition to being released for the current shipping version of Windows 10 Mobile, build 10586.164 is also available for Windows Insiders on the Slow and Release Preview rings.

Confused? Welcome to the club, my head is about to explode.

Microsoft explains what’s happening via a Q&A:

Q: Who is receiving this build?
A: This release is being sent to Retail open market devices as well as our Insiders in the WIP Slow and Release Preview rings.

Q: I’m in the WIP Fast ring. How do I obtain this .164 release?
A: Change rings in the Windows Insider app to either WIP Slow or Release Preview, take the update, and then change back to the WIP Fast ring.

Q: Why is it necessary for WIP Fast users to switch rings?
A: It’s a publishing limitation. Changing rings will not be a permanent process, but it is required for this particular release.

Q: Why didn’t Insiders get to test this release before releasing it to Retail users?
A: Insiders did get to test it! The previously released 10586.122 build is nearly identical to this new .164 build. There are no major feature changes between the two builds. Changes were focused on a few key bug fixes and other required updates to ensure this build was ready to release to Retail users.

That last answer suggests that Microsoft is trying to keep the build numbers synchronized between Windows 10 for PCs and Windows 10 Mobile. Which I guess makes sense.

“That about covers it,”a Microsoft support rep named Jason concludes. “This is a fairly small release overall, but it’s important for Insiders to stay up-to-date.”

Yeah it is.