Windows 10 build 9796

6.4.9796.0.fbl_partner_eeap.140715-1347

Build of Windows 10
OS family	Windows NT
Version number	6.4
Build number	9796
Build revision	0
Architecture	x64
Build lab	fbl_partner_eeap
Compiled on	2014-07-15
Expiration date
Timebomb	2015-02-15 (+215 days)
About dialog

Windows 10 build 9796 is a pre-Technical Preview build of Windows 10, originally released to Microsoft partners participating in the Ecosystem Engineering Access Program (EEAP) on 17 July 2014. It is referenced in the release notes of client build 9807. It was later shared on 28 October 2024.

Due to its earliness, this build identifies itself as Windows 8.1 in many areas.

Changes

User interface

The user interface has undergone many significant changes since build 9785.

Iconography

A new flat icon set that is reminiscent of the ones found in later Windows 10 builds has also been introduced, replacing a number of icons first added with the releases of Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Task View

The Task View, a function that allows the user to switch to different applications in a similar manner to the Task Switcher (Alt+Tab ↹ menu), has been implemented, and can be invoked by clicking on its taskbar icon or by pressing the ⊞ Win+Tab ↹ hotkey, however the icon is disabled by default, and doesn't have the ability to have more than one desktop. It can be enabled by merging following registry setting and restarting File Explorer:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MultiTaskingView\AllUpView]
"Enabled"=dword:00000001

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  Task View

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  Task View Icon

Metro applications

Metro Applications have with a new window border skin that distinguishes Windows Runtime-based applications from regular Win32 applications, however they are disabled by default. It can be enabled by merging following registry setting:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell\ApplicationFrame]
"UseDCompTitleBar"=dword:00000001

Windows Aero

The Windows Aero theme has been updated to feature thin borders (although its Lite counterpart remains unchanged).

Windows Setup

The Windows Setup now skips straightly to the End-User License Agreement section instead of product key, and it installs the Professional SKU by default.

Kernel version

The kernel version has been updated to 6.4.

File Explorer

The File Explorer application has been updated to feature thicker metrics in the navigation menu.

Miscellaneous

The copyright year seen in winver and Windows Setup has been updated to 2014.

Hidden features

Windowed Metro applications

General

This build has native support for Metro apps in windowed mode, which is disabled by default. It can be enabled by merging following registry setting:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ImmersiveShell]
"ModernDesktopApps"=dword:00000001

However, title bars will use the same style as Win32 applications by default. As opposed to build 9785, this build's implementation shows the application name on the titlebar, as well as a warning if the resolution is too small.

Search

This build includes a nonfunctional Search utility, which is disabled by default. It can be enabled by merging following registry setting and restarting File Explorer:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search]
"EnableProactive"=dword:00000001

Bugs and quirks

Timebomb

Like other builds found in the fbl_partner_eeap branch, this build uses a test-signed certificate and as a result can be installed on the current date. However, installing this build on the current date disables the ability to change the desktop wallpaper in the Control Panel.

File Explorer

• The icon positions on the desktop and in File Explorer are not saved when updating. In addition to this, they will not properly display in Windows Flip.
• The length of taskbar items with the Never Combine option is shorter than usual.
• The Format dialog doesn't open, making it impossible to format drives through Windows Explorer.

Control Panel

The System Properties page may incorrectly report the total amount of installed and usable RAM found on the machine.

Safe mode

Trying to boot into safe mode (whether via msconfig or Recovery Options) results in a black screen.

Gallery

Interface

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  Boot screen

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  Windowed Metro applications with new titlebar