Microsoft created the “Skip Ahead” option to allow participants of the Windows Insider Program to get an even earlier start on the next development of the next version of Windows 10, which is currently known as the 19H1 update.
Previously, testers had to wait until the release of a new version of Windows 10 before getting new preview builds for the next release. However, because Microsoft usually starts the development of the next release during the stabilization process of an upcoming new version, the company created the Skip Ahead option to allow users to get early access for the next development.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to Skip Ahead to the next release of Windows 10 (version 1903).
How to join the Windows 10’s Skip Ahead option
The Skip Ahead option is usually available for a limited time for a limited number of users with devices already enrolled in the Fast ring of the Windows Insider Program. If you’re not, you must first enrolled and then use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Windows Insider Program.
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Under “What kind of content would you like to receive?” select the Skip ahead to the next Windows release option from the drop-down menu.
Windows Insider Program settings with Skip Ahead option
Once you’ve completed the steps, soon your device will be moved to the RS_PRERELEASE branch for the next version of Windows 10 (19H1), which is expected to roll out in spring 2019.
Initially, builds available in the RS_PRERELEASE and RS5_RELEASE will look almost identical, but using the RS_RELEASE branch you’ll start getting built-in apps updates from the Store, and eventually the build number will jump ahead and things will diverge. Microsoft also warns you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10 if you want to go back to get regular Fast ring builds.
The company also says that builds available in the new branch are not stable, and it’s meant for testers who like to be the first to find issues, provide suggestions, and ideas to help shape the future of Windows.
After the new version of Windows 10 releases to everyone, the “skip ahead” option will go away, and the Fast ring will go back to receiving builds from the RS_PRERELEASE branch just like before.
If you missed the opportunity to join your device in the Skip Ahead lane, you can try this workaround to enrolled your system even after the option is no longer available.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.