Microsoft has consistently kept the operating system up-to-date throughout its history. Since the release of Windows 10, this has taken the form of regular monthly security patches & twice-yearly ‘feature’ updates.
Microsoft wants individuals to test early builds once they’re distributed to the broader public in the event of the latter. Members of the Windows Insider Program (or Program), a select group of users who have opted in to provide input on early releases of the upcoming upgrade, have been that in recent years.
This is not, however, an elite club. Anyone can join the Insider Program & submit feedback that could help Microsoft figure out what to do next with Windows. All you want to know is right here.
What you will see here?
What is the Windows Insider Program?
The Windows Insider Program (or Insider Programme in the UK) is officially described by Microsoft as “a community with millions of Windows’ biggest fans who’ve seen what’s next.” The order to test early editions of Windows 10 is the most important feature for most people, and Microsoft encourages you to provide input on what works & what can be improved.
You’ll also get access to exclusive Microsoft events, sneak peeks, contests, podcasts, articles, and blogs if you sign up. It’s intended to serve as an online community of like-minded people, however, you decide how involved you want to be.
Microsoft Windows Insider Program is divided into three channels at its core:
1. Developers’ Channel – New updates will appear here first, although they will almost certainly contain problems and issues. As a result, we don’t advocate signing up for such a channel on your primary device.
2. Beta Channel: Microsoft recommends to the majority of users that sign up. It provides a more stable update experience while still allowing you to customize the final version.
3. Channel for Release Previews – Updates arrive here in near-final form, making them far more stable than the other two routes. There’s still time for Microsoft to apply last-minute changes based on user feedback, and it’s still available online ahead of the general release.
All Windows 10 devices are eligible, although it’s a good idea to update to the most latest edition before signing up for the Insider Program. Signing up is absolutely free, and you may unsubscribe at any moment.
What is the Windows Insider Program and how can you join it?
The process of becoming a member of the Insider Program is simple and clear:
1. Also on the Windows Insider website, sign in along with your Microsoft account and follow the instructions. This stage can be accessed from any device.
2. Make sure you’re using that account on the PC you want to sign up with. If you’re not sure, go to Settings and look at the email address so at top of the page.
3. Select ‘Windows Insider Program’ (or Program in the US) from the left pane of Update & Security.
4. Choose ‘Get started at the top of your screen, then ‘Link an account.’ Click ‘Continue’ after selecting the appropriate account.
5. You’ll be asked to select a channel after a few seconds. Choose the one you feel is most suitable and click ‘Confirm’ – for the purpose of this lesson, we’ll choose the Beta Channel.
6. On the next screen, click ‘Confirm,’ but then click the instruction to restart your computer.
7. That’s it! Once your device is restarted, you’re done! Updates will be presented under the ‘Windows Update’ tab as they become available.
How do you unsubscribe from the Windows Insider Program?
Microsoft has made it even simpler to leave its Insider Program every time:
1. To join the Windows Insider Program, go to Setting > Updates and Security > Windows Insider Program.
2. Toggle the switch next to ‘Stop getting preview builds’ to turn it on.
This will prevent you from receiving early versions of the next major update. If you already have one installed and don’t like it, go with Settings > Update and Security > Recovery & select ‘Revert to an earlier version of Windows 10’. More information on how to drop out of the Windows Insider Program may be found in the separate tutorial.
Microsoft Windows Insider Program was still the simplest way to get the 20H2 upgrade early, and it appears like the impending 21H1 release will follow suit.
Conclusion
Microsoft is never dozing off. In addition to regularly releasing major and small upgrades to the main version of Windows 10, Microsoft often distributes public preview versions to members of its Windows Insider Program, enabling them to try out — and even help shape — new features.
The YYH1/YYH2 format is used by Microsoft to date Windows 10 releases, with YY standing for the year’s last two numbers and H1/H2 referring to the first/second half of the year. As a result, the most recent version of Windows 10 is known as Windows 10 version 21H1, also known as the May 2021 Update. Version 21H2 should be the next feature update, expected in the fall of 2021.
