Windows 10, unlike previous versions of Windows, receives regular feature updates to improve the user experience. In addition to the typical bug fixes, Microsoft has continually improved and added the original version of Windows 10 since its first release in 2015.
Before any new features and software are released to the general public, Microsoft tests them extensively to ensure they are fit for purpose. A large number of Windows users are participating in this process thanks to the Windows Insider, a dedicated beta program that any Windows user can register for.
Windows Insider“/>
Before Subscribing to Windows Insider
As long as you are using Windows 10, you can sign up for the Windows Insider Program. However, before you do this, you should be aware of some pros and cons.
As we mentioned earlier, the Windows Insider Program allows you to test some of the latest changes, features, and software that Microsoft intends to introduce in future Windows updates. Windows Sandbox is a recent example that was tested on Windows Insider builds prior to its general release in version 1903.
It’s important to understand that enrolling in the Windows Insider Program carries risks. Windows Insider builds are not always stable. The goal of the Windows Insider program is to test these Windows 10 updates, identify any bugs or issues, and make sure they’re ready for a wider release.
If you’re concerned about instability, avoid Windows Insider builds entirely.
– /
The terms of use also require you to send large amounts of data to Windows from your device. This will help Microsoft narrow down the issues. If you are concerned about your privacy, this program is not for you.
Before upgrading Windows 10 to a Windows Insider Build, make sure you back up your important files.
Install Windows Insider builds
If you want to continue, you first need to register as a Windows Insider It is probably best to use the Microsoft account that you use to sign in to Windows, but this is not required.
- On the Windows Insider enrollment page, accept the terms and conditions by scrolling down and clicking the checkbox. When ready, click Submit.
Windows Insider“/>
Windows Insider“/>
By agreeing to the terms, you will become a member of the Windows Insider Program. After that, you will be ready to install the latest Windows Insider build for Windows 10.
- First, you need to go to the Windows 10 Settings menu. First, right-click the Windows Start Menu button in the panel tasks and select Options.
- From the Windows Settings menu, click Update & Security.
Windows Insider“/>
- From the Update & Security menu, click Windows Insider from the left menu (or Windows Insider if English is selected).
Windows Insider“/>
- When you enter the Windows Insider menu, click Get Started to begin the installation process.
Windows Insider“/>
- You will be prompted to link your Windows Insider account. Click the Link Account button and sign in to your Microsoft account in the Microsoft Sign In window that appears.
Windows Insider“/>
Windows Insider“/>
You will be asked how fast you want to receive Windows Insider updates. You can learn about the different build options for Windows Insider on the Windows Insider website.
- Select Slow for the most stable “pre-build”, Fast for the latest build with the latest features (with increased risk of instability), Release Preview to get updates on some new features (but to stay the same) assembly of the Windows 10 installation that most users do), or Skip to move on to testing the next major release of Windows.
- Click Submit to go to the next menu.
- Windows will ask you to confirm the Windows Insider Program terms and conditions. Click “Confirm” to continue.
Windows Insider“/>
- In the last step, you will be prompted to restart. Click Restart Now.
Windows Insider“/>
- After restarting, go back to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update and click Check for Updates. Windows will start downloading the latest Windows Insider build, ready to download and use.
Windows Insider“/>
Return to hard Windows 10 installations
If you are not satisfied with the performance of the Windows Insider build and want to revert to the stable version of Windows 10, you can do so within the first ten days after installing the first Windows Insider build.
After ten days, you will have to reinstall Windows 10 to bring it back to stable, as Windows will not allow you to downgrade after the initial ten-day period.
- If you’re within the first ten days after installing your first Windows Insider build, go to Settings> Recovery.
- Click Get Started under Revert to a Previous Version of Windows 10.
- Follow the instructions and let Windows restore a stable installation of Windows 10.
- After downgrading, return to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Insider Program to opt out of the Windows Insider Program. Click the Stop getting preview assemblies slider to toggle it from Off to On.
Windows Insider“/>
Windows Insider“/>
You can also change Windows Insider settings from this menu, including refresh rates.
At any time, if you want to revert to using Windows Installer assemblies, set the Stop Getting Preview Assemblies slider back to Off. Go back to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update and check for updates to start downloading the latest Windows Insider build.
–