The long wait for Windows 10 is nearly over. Sources close to the matter tell The Verge that Microsoft is planning to finalize its upcoming operating system this week, with an official release to manufacturing (RTM) build expected to roll out to the company’s PC partners before the end of the week.
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As The Verge explains, the RTM build is a less meaningful milestone in the development cycle of Windows 10 than in previous Windows releases because Microsoft considers Windows 10 to be a service rather than a product. In other words, the RTM is just another step on an endless road of updates, additions and upgrades in the coming months and years.
Windows 10 leaks haven’t exactly been hard to come by since the Insider program launched in 2014, so don’t be surprised if an RTM build finds its way online in the next few days. There are sure to be several tweaks and bug fixes between then and the official release though — if you have the patience, it’s probably worth waiting until the end of the month.
Although July 29th serves as the official release date for Windows 10, Microsoft is going to be sending out copies of its new OS in waves. The five millions Windows Insiders who have been testing the software will be first in line, and then everyone who reserved a copy from their desktop will be next.