All handsets participating in the preview program are now getting it via the built-in Windows Phone update system

Oct 24, 2014 07:54 GMT  ·  By

Today, Microsoft has rolled out what the company calls a “critical” update for Windows Phone Developer Preview, introducing more fixes and improvements that are absolutely mandatory for all handsets registered for the program.

The company has said in a post on its very own Microsoft Community forums that Windows Phone 8.10.14192.280, which is currently available to beta testers running Preview for Developers only, includes critical fixes that will allow the company to “continue to test our update systems” for future releases.

What’s more, the company made today’s update mandatory for all handsets, so everyone participating in the preview program will get it sometime in the next 72 hours after it’s been downloaded.

Needless to say, developers can also get it manually from the phone update screen and it’s actually recommended to do so in order to install it whenever you are ready.

No update, no game

Microsoft says that everyone must install this update in the next 3 days, and in case you don’t actually want to, the only option is to completely opt out of the program and do not receive any early improvements in the future.

To do this, simply open the “Preview for Developers” app on your phone and uncheck the “Enable Preview for Developers” option.

Of course, most users who are already participating in this program are very likely to accept the update sooner or later, so there shouldn’t be any problem in this regard.

Windows Phone 10 preview on its way

Some people said that this new update could actually pave the road for a preview build of Windows Phone 10, an updated version of the mobile operating system which could be released in 2015.

Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows Phone 10 is on its way, but hasn’t provided any new details as to what’s to come in the operating system. A preview build, however, should be rolled out in early 2015 and those registered for the Developer Preview program would get it first.

The company says that there’s a slight chance that some of those who install today’s update will experience a number of issues with it, so getting in touch with support staff is the best way to address them.

If you wish to send any bug that you come across, go over to this Microsoft Community thread and post information including the brand and model of the device, manufacturer name, mobile operator, and OS version. Redmond says that it needs all of these to make sure that a correct solution is provided.