Microsoft Temporarily Suspends Windows Insider Builds

With Windows 10 racing towards its date with destiny, Microsoft has taken the unusual step of suspending pre-release builds of the new OS to Windows Insiders. Additionally, the firm will halt delivery of ISO-based versions of the current Windows 10 build starting tomorrow.

Why this sudden change?

According to Microsoft’s Gabe Aul, Windows 10 is “very close” to the final, RTM (release to manufacturing) build, and the software giant wants to get everything just right.

“We’re only a couple of weeks away now from our public release of Windows 10, and we’re preparing for the world to begin the upgrade process,” he explains. “Windows Insiders have been the first to see our work on Windows 10 at every stage. Now you will also be the first to get a build flighted to you using the channels that we’ll use for targeting and deploying to PCs for our staged rollout.”

What this means is that the next build we see will be delivered using Microsoft’s Windows Update production channels.

Here’s what’s happening over the next 24 hours:

Previously-made available builds will no longer be offered on Windows Update. Build 10162 (Slow ring) and build 10166 (Fast ring) will no longer be offered over Windows Update. So whatever build you’re on will show as “up to date” if you check for new builds.

No more ISOs. Downloadable ISO files for build 10162 will be taken down from the Windows Preview web site. So snag them now if you still need them.

Prerelease keys will no longer activate builds. This is a big one, obviously. To date, you could use these keys to activate Windows 10 Pro or Home.

Microsoft says it will announce its next build soon via a blog post, the Insider Hub, and on Twitter as usual. I’m guessing that build will be pretty damn close to RTM.