What’s the Windows Insider program?

Image source: Insider.Windows.com 

Consider it a beta project, a home to some 10 million Windows fans, professionals, and enthusiasts who want to be part of building the future of Windows 10.  Windows Insider is an open software testing program by Microsoft that lets users who own a valid Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 license to register for pre-release builds of the operating system, which were formerly available only to software developers.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

The program was launched for the technically able ones who want to test out new developer features on pre-release software and builds.  This is done to collect low-level diagnostics feedback that will help identify, probe, mitigate, and enhance the OS, in direct coordination with Microsoft Engineers in a properly structured communication channel.

Windows Insider features three levels or so-called “rings”: Fast, Slow, and Release Preview rings.  What needs to be noted is that since it’s a beta program, a build that gets released can sometimes spell trouble.  Your PC may become less stable, and the program can require a lot of bandwidth given that a new build is usually released once a week.

At any rate, many are keen on becoming a part of the program since it offers the privilege of testing new features first, or before they officially roll out to the public.  It's part of a large-scale initiative to shape the next version of Windows, where feedback about bugs, suggestions, or personal ideas are welcome and might even be implemented by Microsoft.  Finally, it fosters a sense of community among like-minded – or Windows-minded – individuals. 

James P. DeVellis is an IT consultant. These days he is working for a tech company and gets to test new programs and apps as part of his job. Learn more on this page.