14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9888 got leaked a few days ago, so obviously quite a lot of users have installed it, even though it wasn’t shipped through the official Windows update channel.
But despite the fact that it brings several new features, Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9888 should not be installed on computers enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for several reasons, some of which have already been confirmed by Microsoft itself on Twitter.
Basically, Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9888 is an unofficial release that can only be downloaded through file-sharing websites, so it’s not available via the standard Windows Update system that brought us the previous preview builds.
“It wasn’t ready for Windows Insiders”
When asked whether users should install Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9888 on their PCs, Microsoft’s Gabriel Aul said that this particular version wasn’t released because “it wasn’t ready for Windows Insiders,” which pretty much means that there were some bugs and performance issues that convinced the company to keep it private.
And still, by the looks of it, Microsoft is not at all upset that this particular version leaked to the web and even confirmed that those who installed it could still upgrade to the Consumer Preview version when it becomes available.
“We won't block 9888 upgrades forward. However, we're also not servicing 9888 in future updates, so use at your own risk,” Aul explained, confirming once again that this build comes with many bugs, so Microsoft can’t be asked to fix anything until an official version comes out.
BSODs at random times
Windows 10 build 9888 didn’t behave well on our testing machines and it crashed several times for no apparent reason, even though everything seemed to be running really smoothly at first.
Obviously, build 9888 is still part of the development stage of Windows 10, so it’s pretty clear that users should not install it on their main computers, and given the fact that Microsoft itself has confirmed that bugs are something to be expected, virtual machines are most likely the best choice for trying out this build.
Windows 10 build 9888 comes with new animations for maximizing windows, improved context menus on the desktop, offline maps, and several other subtle improvements that can be spotted here and there across the operating system.
Many of these features are also likely to be part of the consumer preview build that could debut in January, and Microsoft is expected to make a public announcement on this later this month.
@lolz72829178 No :-) We won't block 9888 upgrades forward. However, we're also not servicing 9888 in future updates, so use at your own risk
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) December 4, 2014
@jen9600 Ah. You mean the build that we didn't release because it wasn't ready for #WindowsInsiders ;-) Sorry Jen. 9879 ISOs are available!
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) December 3, 2014
