Microsoft will now let Fast Ring Insiders Skip Ahead to the next big update for Windows

For some Insiders, the WIndows Insider Program and the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update have gotten a bit bland. It’s understandable, as Windows gets closer to release, builds get more stable and less “adventurous”. For those insiders who want danger and to really be part of the Windows 10 development program, Microsoft is introducing a new option to the Windows 10 Insider builds. Rather than just Fast, Slow, and Release Preview rings, Insiders will be getting a new sub menu in the Fast RIng settings which lets them Skip Ahead to the next Windows Release option.

This lets Insiders on the Fast Ring jump ahead to the new RS Pre-release Builds for the next big Windows release currently scheduled for Spring 2018. That’s exciting. It means Insiders who opt to Skip ahead will start getting new code sooner rather than later, and while we don’t know exactly what’s coming to WIndows, we do know the Windows Timeline feature is in the pipeline.

While I have thoughts on the WIndows update schedule and WIndows features in general, it is a development that is guaranteed to get most Windows Insiders. Of course, builds here will be rather raw and rough, so that’s something to keep in mind as you update.

Users who opt to Skip Ahead will also get the inbox app updates that have been temporarily paused on the Fast RIng builds now, this means that users can test updates to the Photos, Groove and Maps apps among other built in apps before they roll out to the general public.

Two things to note: The Skip Ahead drop down will remain until the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is released to the general public sometime in September, and Insider space is limited as Microsoft still needs some insiders to actually test the FCU before it rolls out.

Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program has recently come under fire for seemingly prioritising “fun”, accessibility and safer releases over hard, nerdy tech stuff and more risky builds. While the firm most likely had this Skip ahead feature planned before, the timing of the announcements almost seems aimed at placating those critical voices.

You can learn more about the Skip Ahead option from the Feedback Hub link here,   but I believe this goes over the important bits already.