14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will be holding a Windows 10 event on January 21, and soon after that, the company is expected to introduce a new testing version of the upcoming operating system for Windows Insider users.
Usually, these fresh builds are delivered via the built-in Windows Update system, but this time, Microsoft is also planning to roll out dedicated ISOs that would allow users to perform a clean install and to deploy the Windows 10 Technical Preview even if they're running a different operating system or an older Windows version.
The only ISO that's available for download right now is part of the 9841 rollout, which is actually the very first version of Windows 10 that came out as part of the Windows Insider program.
This time, however, Microsoft wants to release a brand new ISO, as it looks like development of Windows 10 reached an important milestone and the company is looking into ways to bring all people to this fresh release.
Next build availability to be announced on January 21
Users expect Microsoft to introduce the new Windows 10 build soon after the January 21 event, but Gabriel Aul, head of the Windows Insider program, said in a statement that more details on the release of the next builds would be revealed during the conference.
While he didn't say anything about a possible release in the last week of January, he previously posted on Twitter that a new Windows 10 build would come this month, so it's very likely to get our hands on a fresh version shortly after the January 21 event.
The new build is expected to include several feature updates and new options, among which a working version of Cortana (which was previously available in leaked build 9901), as well as Continuum and many other improvements.
Available through Windows Update for 9879 users
The new version of Windows 10 will be available through both Windows Update and dedicated ISOs, but the first option only works for those running build number 9879.
Microsoft has already said on several occasions that it does not support leaked builds, so in case you've already installed build 9888 or 9901, you won't be able to upgrade straight to the new version. If this is your case, you can either go back to 9879 or use the upcoming stand-alone ISO to deploy the new version.
The January 21 event will also be streamed online, so everyone will be able to watch the new Windows 10 features in action and see Microsoft's executives discuss the future of this operating system for consumers.
@CrissMoon We'll announce next build availability on 1/21.
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) January 5, 2015
@NaThanPhamIT Next build we release will include ISOs as well as published via Windows Update to upgrade existing installs.
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) January 5, 2015