Does downloading a Windows 10 preview update get an ISO or just delta updates, similar to Windows Update?

I'm not on a metered connection, so I want to know if Windows 10 TP is going to start downloading a 5gb ISO or just the updated files when I click the 'Download now' button on the Previews tab under Update & Recovery.

If getting an ISO is the only way, then I'd rather use a download manager, because there will be no way to throttle the speed or pause the download in the Windows Update method. If the download gets interrupted due to a connection drop (not uncommon), I'll just waste my quota.

Additionally, I'm running the preview on two other devices, so I don't want to download the new one three times.

Should I run the update or just grab a new ISO from the website?

aalaap

Posted 2014-11-19T04:58:44.903

Reputation: 592

If "I'm not on a metered connection", why am I worried about wasting my quota? – aalaap – 2017-04-07T11:55:23.443

Answers

The Update process downloads a large electronic software distribution (ESD) file, which is only a bit smaller compared to the ISO which contains a required setup.exe. It doesn't work like normal Windows Updates.

If you want to update several machines, download the ISO, mount the ISO, run setup.exe and select "Upgrade".

magicandre1981

Posted 2014-11-19T04:58:44.903

Reputation: 86 560

I was afraid this would be the case. – aalaap – 2014-11-20T17:56:48.050

-1

Following feedback from the Windows Insider program, Build 9879 has been made available as an ISO. See New build available to the Windows Insider Program on Blogging Windows. As magicandre1981 stated, the new build is installed as an operating system upgrade rather than an update.

WinOutreach2

Posted 2014-11-19T04:58:44.903

Reputation: 471