Windows 10 Fall Creators Update RTMs with 16299.15, but where’s the “prominent announcement?

Late last night, Microsoft pushed out Windows 10 Insider Build 16299.15 to Fast Ring Windows Insiders. Shortly after, reports surfaced on the web that the build was the RTM version of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Well, Microsoft has still not come out and made anything official yet, and we’re left wondering where is the “prominent announcement” of RTM that the head of the Windows Insider Program long promised.

Fueling the RTM saga is Windows Insiders now having the option of completely leaving the Insider program after installing build 16299.15. This option was not available on any prior builds, and just like with the development of the Windows 10 Creators Update, usually only happens when RTM is near. Additionally, Microsoft even revealed that the company will be servicing this very Fast Ring build with cumulative updates moving forward. With the disappearance of the build watermark also in consideration, this is similar to how things work on the Production Ring, perhaps again hinting that the latest build may be RTM.

Microsoft has been shy about revealing when builds are RTM in the past. This this, though, was supposed to be changed for this year since Dona Sarkar revealed to a Windows fan that Insiders would clearly know when an RTM build has arrived.

For now, we’ll just be keeping an eye on Dona, and will be assuming that 16299.15 might as well be considered RTM. Of course, things may be subject to change and become clearer once Dona or Microsoft speak up, so it’s best to keep tuned for more information in the days ahead.