Now you have a third option to test previews of Windows 10. Microsoft has just announced that is adding a third ring of updates called “Release Preview”, in addition to the current Slow and Fast rings.

Release Preview is available for both PC and mobile devices and aims to help Insiders who like to stay parked on the Current Branch — or current main version of Windows 10 — and continue to receive patches, apps, and driver updates.

In this Windows 10 guide, I’ll walk you through the instructions to switch your PC running Windows 10 and your Windows 10 Mobile phone (e.g., Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL) to the Release Preview ring of updates.

How to switch to the Release Preview Ring on Windows 10 PC

  • Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
  • Click Update & security.
  • On Windows Update, click Advanced options.
  • Under Get Insider Preview builds, you will notice that the slider now moves three levels:
  • Move the slider to the left position to stay on the “Release Preview” ring.
  • Move the slider to the middle position to stay on the “Slow” ring.
  • Move the slider to the right position to stay on the “Fast” ring.

How to switch to the Release Preview Ring on Windows 10 Mobile

  • Tap to open the Windows Insider app in your phone.
  • Tap Get preview builds.
  • On enroll, tap Insider Release preview, and tap the next arrow button.
  • Confirm by tapping accept, and reboot as necessary.

The three Windows Insider Rings

  • Fast: Best for Insiders who enjoy being the first to get access to builds and feature updates, with some risk to their devices in order to identify issues, and provide suggestions and ideas to make Windows software and devices great.
  • Slow: Best for Insiders who enjoy getting early access to builds and feature updates, with less risk to their devices, and still want to provide feedback to make Windows software and devices great.
  • Release Preview: Best for Insiders who enjoy getting early access to updates for the Current Branch, Microsoft applications, and drivers, with minimal risk to their devices, and still want to provide feedback to make Windows devices great.

In addition, it’s worth pointing out that the Release Preview will only be visible when your build version of Windows 10 is the same as the Current Branch. If you’re in the Development Branch, you will need to switch to the Current Branch by making a clean reinstall of the operating system. 

Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.

Click Update & security.

On Windows Update, click Advanced options.

Under Get Insider Preview builds, you will notice that the slider now moves three levels:

  • Move the slider to the left position to stay on the “Release Preview” ring.
  • Move the slider to the middle position to stay on the “Slow” ring.
  • Move the slider to the right position to stay on the “Fast” ring.

Tap to open the Windows Insider app in your phone.

Tap Get preview builds.

On enroll, tap Insider Release preview, and tap the next arrow button.

Confirm by tapping accept, and reboot as necessary.