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Here’s a quick rundown of the program and how you might join.
What is the Windows Insider Program?
The Windows Insider Program is Microsoft’s beta program for Windows.
Click here to join the Windows Insider Program.
Each channel features different preview content and varies in risk regarding feature and platform stability.
You cannot switch to a lower channel when you’ve got selected one without reinstalling Windows.
The current Insider channels as of 2024.
Once you swich to the Canary Channel, you cannot switch back to the Dev Channel.
Microsoft often launches new features that are in active development to this channel first.
The Dev Channel is where Microsoft incubates new feature ideas and experiments.
Some features may not appear on your PC straight away.
This means that not every new feature you receive will actually ship.
It’s the channel where Microsoft tests features that are intended to actually ship.
When you upgrade to the latest preview builds, it’s potluck whether you get them or not.
The Windows Insider app in 2024
You don’t have to partake in the Feedback Hub to join the Insider Program and try new features.
But it is there if you want to.
If you stick to the Release Preview or Beta Channels, you should be free of most stability issues.
It’s recommended you spin up the higher risk channels on spare PC or virtual machine.
If you’re not a fan of telemetry, then the Insider Program is not for you.
So keep that in mind.
