Microsoft Pushes Out Kinda RTM Windows 10 Build 10240

The latest build of Windows 10 released to insiders is quite special: it’s not an official “RTM”, but it’s close enough. It’s the first build that removes the version information from the desktop, and from here-on-out, there will be no more ISOs for download – until the final release.

Between now and July 29, Microsoft will continue to issue bug fixes to make sure that the OS is as good as it can be – a smart thing given the sheer number of people who will be downloading and installing it. If you’re using a preview build of Windows 10, you’ll be able to upgrade to build 10240 whether you’re on the slow or fast ring.

Here’s a quick glimpse of what the final looks like, as seen in my testing virtual machine:

As mentioned, there are going to be no more preview build ISOs, but there are some enterprising folks who’ve managed to take the 10240 build files out of Windows Update and craft a perfectly good ISO. I’ve downloaded such an ISO, but I have yet to test it and could never recommend going this route. I’m just impatient, don’t want to wait for Microsoft to release the final, and don’t want to install an older build for native install and upgrade it that way.

I’d assume that on July 29, Microsoft will release ISOs of the RTM for enthusiasts to get on installing. I base this on the fact that the company has had a pretty open beta phase, and given the OS is going to be free for so many people, the company probably isn’t overly concerned with piracy right out of the gate.