Simple steps to get the latest Windows 10 build

Oct 22, 2014 08:40 GMT  ·  By

A new version of Windows 10 Technical Preview is now available for download, and just like expected, many want to get it as soon as possible, mostly because it brings several eagerly-anticipated options, including a notification center inspired from Windows Phone.

Downloading and installing the new Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9860 is not hard at all thanks to Microsoft’s new built-in update system that allows new releases to be downloaded and installed without too much effort from users.

Before starting the download process, it’s worth knowing that updating to the new version doesn’t wipe your drive and all your settings are preserved. This is actually one of the best things about the new update system, because this way users can easily update their systems without the need for a clean install.

At the same time, note that the whole installation process does take some time and you’re taken through the same screens as in the case of a clean install. Setting up applications, getting devices ready, and all the other installation screens are all there, but no input is required.

How to download it and why there are no ISOs

The only way to download the new build 9860 is through the integrated PC settings screen that can be found in the Windows 10 Technical Preview 9841 build.

So just follow this path:

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PC settings > Update and recovery > Preview builds
And simply hit the “Check now” button. The new version should be there, so you can click the “Download” button to start getting the new version.

The process takes a while, and after the download process is completed, press the “Install” button to deploy all files on your PC. Again, this could take more time than expected, but given the fact that the update measures more than 2 GB in size, it’s not at all that surprising.

Unfortunately for those who wanted to get the new version separately, there’s no dedicated ISO and the reason is pretty simple: Microsoft no longer wants to release stand-alone updates for its operating system, but only integrated ones that can be downloaded via the new system for the core operating system.

The same strategy could be used for the final version of Windows 10 as well, as word has it that Microsoft could switch to a strategy that won’t bring any new stand-alone versions of the operating system to the market, but only large updates as it’s the case with the new build.