Microsoft internally signs off the Windows 10 'Redstone 4' Spring Creators Update RTM candidate

Staying true to its Windows-as-a-Service (WaaS) model, Microsoft has finished development of the next feature update to Windows 10. Titled the Spring Creators Update (SCU) and codenamed 'Redstone 4', the update promises enhancements in all areas of the OS. Windows Central reports that its sources have confirmed that Microsoft has internally signed-off the final build of the SCU, also known as the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) candidate. RTM is a milestone in software development wherein the code is deemed to be fit for use on production systems or for pre-loading on OEM devices. 

The OS build that has been selected as the RTM candidate is Build 17133 and this will be serviced post release with security and cumulative updates throughout its support period. Build 17133 is expected to be released to Fast Ring Insiders this week and will gradually make its way to the Slow Ring followed by the Release Preview ring. During this period, any issues identified will be rectified via day-zero patches that are bundled along before being seeded to production. Windows 10 SCU is expected to hit production on April 10 (Patch Tuesday) and will be rolled out in a staggered fashion — first to an initial set of devices followed by the others. The staggered rollout enables Microsoft to identify and correct any compatibility issues that can cause the update to fail or potentially result in data loss. 

Windows 10 SCU is a substantial update and brings with it the much touted Timeline feature that was demonstrated during the Build 2017 conference. It also brings improvements to the Edge browser, Settings, Cortana, Near Share, support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), better privacy tools,etc., all while implementing Fluent Design elements across many shell components.

As the development of SCU draws to a close, Microsoft has already started work on the next feature update to Windows 10 codenamed 'Redstone 5' (RS5). Current RS5 builds are very similar to RS4 as they are still undergoing code refactoring and it will be a while before Insiders get to see new features being implemented. RS5 will see the debut of a tabbed computing experience called 'Sets' and the introduction of a composable shell (CShell) that will pave the way for a modular Windows OS currently codenamed 'Polaris' catering to mobile form-factors.

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