How to get 'Redstone 4' (Skip Ahead) builds

On 25th July, Microsoft introduced 'Skip Ahead' for Insiders on Fast Ring.

Insiders could see a new drop-down under Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program and selecting 'Skip ahead to the next Windows release' would let you get apps updates for inbox apps and get builds from RS_PRERELEASE branch, the branch for 'Redstone 4' development which is the next major update for Windows 10.

However, the number of Insiders that could opt-in 'Skip ahead' was limited, and now you can't enroll in it. This means that if you are still on RS3_RELEASE, the branch for Fall Creators Update, you can only start receiving 'Redstone 4' builds when Fall Creators Update is generally available, officially scheduled for 17th October (in waves, which means your device could get the update much later).

From Microsoft perspective, this is much needed. They don't demand a huge amount of Insiders on RS_PRERELEASE just yet, and with a major update scheduled to go public in 6 weeks, they need Insiders to get telemetry and feedback to make Fall Creators Update a smooth update for everyone.

Fortunately, if you really want to 'Skip Ahead', you actually can.

Note: Before choosing to skip ahead – there are a few things to keep in mind: builds from RS_PRERELEASE will get less stable as teams start checking in new code. So just like Insider Preview builds usually are after a Windows 10 release, things will likely be a little rough. If this concerns you or makes you uncomfortable – don’t choose to skip ahead and simply wait for the Fast ring to transition back to RS_PRERELEASE down the road. [Source: https://aka.ms/m2aq4i]

How to 'Skip Ahead'

The first method is using ISOs to perform a clean install. Once you install a build from RS_PRERELEASE branch you automatically get future builds. You can get ISOs here.

As I said, there's a way to unlock the 'Skip Ahead' option on Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program. Instead of ISOs, you can choose this option and get the updates through Windows Update. To achieve this goal I am assuming you are on Insider Program. In theory, this trick works if you are on Creators Update (production, Release Preview Ring) or Fall Creators Update insider builds, but I admit that I have only tested in the second scenario.

Tip: To navigate to a registry key (path), on Windows 10, you can use the address bar which you can activate using Ctrl+L. Then paste the registry key address and hit Enter key.

  1. Open Registry Editor. There a couple ways to do it. I personally prefer to hold Win+R keys to launch Run and type regedit. You can also search regedit on start menu. I think these are the quickest ways.
  2. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Selection. Change the following value entries:
    • UIContentType = Skip
    • UIRing = WIF
  3. Next, browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\Applicability. Apply the following modifications:
    • ContentType = Skip
    • Ring = WIF

That's it! After changing the registry I restarted my PC, but probably that's not needed. Open the Settings app, go to Update & security > Windows Insider Program.

Source: TenForums

Understanding the values entry data

This is just extra content for curious people.

The value entries UIContentType and ContentType can hold the following data values:

  • Current : You get early fixes, drivers and apps updates. This is what you choose to enroll Release Preview ring.
  • Active : This allows you to get latest Windows content, including regular new builds of the Windows operating system. As I write this article, it corresponds to RS3_RELEASE branch. You have two ring levels here: Slow and Fast.
  • Skip : Let's you skip to the next major update development. This lets you jump to RS_PRERELEASE branch. There's only Fast Ring level.

The value entries UIRing and Ring, are the pace you want to get new builds. There are three levels, however, depending on the content type you selected, you might only have one or two possible matches. Above you can see the possibilities.

  • RP : Release Preview.
  • WIS : Slow Ring.
  • WIF : Fast ring.

To summarize...

UIContentType | ContentType UIRing | Ring
Current RP
Active WIS | WIF
Skip WIF

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