Microsoft Delivers Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 10041 Sans Spartan Browser

Microsoft is on track to release the final version of Windows 10 to the public this summer, but in the mean time, the company is issuing another Technical Preview build for enthusiast to install. Microsoft has taken its sweet time to push out Build 10041, with it coming nearly two months after the launch of the initial Windows 10 Technical Preview.

“We are continuing to learn and evolve the Windows Insider program as we go, and your feedback is helping us to shape the program as well as Windows 10 itself,” writes Microsoft’s Gabe Aul on Blogging Windows. “Over the past couple of weeks we heard feedback from you that some wanted less frequent but more stable builds, while others preferred faster builds even if they had more bugs.

“For those of you in the Fast ring we do expect to deliver builds with newer features and fixes more often, but you’ll also see more bugs with fewer workarounds. I also don’t want to set expectations that you’ll see new builds daily or weekly.”

Neowin was able to get further confirmation from Aul that those on the Fast ring will receive new builds at least once a month, which means that there’s plenty of time between now and RTM for those that need to be on the bleeding edge to test newer builds more frequently.

As for what’s new in Build 10040, Microsoft has added transparency effects to the Start Menu, and the ability to drag and drop apps from All Apps to the Start Menu. Users can also now drag a window to a Virtual Desktop, which was the top feature request that Microsoft receive for Virtual Desktops. Cortana has also been expanded to work in China, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Other features include an improved Photos app and some tweaks to the Lock screen.

But one of the most eagerly awaited additions, the Spartan browser, is nowhere to be found in this latest build. Even though Microsoft promised that Spartan would make an appearance in the next build for Windows Insiders, Aul explains that internal testing is still taking place to make sure that browser is stable enough for a public release and that the Windows team "has to complete a few more tasks before it is ready to ship".

Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 10040 is only available through Windows Update for those already running Windows 10. And if you want to receive more frequent updates, be sure to make sure that you are on the Fast ring (see image above).