How To Check Out New Windows 10 Features With Windows Insider

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Windows 10, unlike previous versions of Windows, receives regular feature updates that improve the user experience. Alongside typical bug fixes, Microsoft has continually improved and added to the initial Windows 10 experience since it was first released in 2015.

Before Microsoft releases any new features and software to the general public, it rigorously tests them to make sure they’re fit for purpose. A large number of Windows users play their part in this process, thanks toWindows Insider, a special beta-testing program that any Windows user can sign up for.

As long as you’re running Windows 10, you can sign up for the Windows Insider program. However, before you do, you should be aware of some of the pros and cons.

As we’ve mentioned, Windows Insider lets you test out some of the newest changes, features, and software that Microsoft intends to introduce in future Windows updates. TheWindows Sandboxis a recent example, having been tested in Windows Insider builds before its general release in version 1903.

It’s important to recognize that signing up for the Windows Insider program carries risks. Windows Insider builds aren’t always stable. The purpose of the Windows Insider program is to test these Windows 10 updates, identify any bugs or issues, and to make sure they’re ready for wider release.

If you’re worried about the instability, avoid Windows Insider builds completely.

You’re also required to send a lot of device data to Windows as part of the terms and conditions. This is to help Microsoft narrow down any issues. If you’re worried about your privacy, this isn’t the program for you.

Make sure you back up your critical files before you upgrade Windows 10 to a Windows Insider build.

Installing Windows Insider Builds

If you want to proceed, you’ll need tosign up as a Windows Insiderfirst. It’s probably best to use the Microsoft account you use to sign into Windows, but this isn’t a necessity.

Once you accept the terms, you’ll be accepted into the Windows Insider program. You’ll then be ready to install the latest Windows Insider build of Windows 10.

You’ll be asked what “pace” of Windows Insider updates do you want to receive. You can find out about the different Windows Insider build options at theWindows Insider website.

Rolling Back To Stable Windows 10 Installations

If you’re not happy with the performance of your Windows Insider build and you’d like to return to the stable release of Windows 10, you can within the first ten days of installing your first Windows Insider build.

After the ten days are up, you’ll have toreinstall Windows 10to return it to the stable release, as Windows won’t allow you to downgrade after the initial ten day period.

You can also change your Windows Insider settings from this menu, including altering the frequency of your updates.

At any point, if you want to return to using Windows Installer builds, change theStop getting preview buildsslider back toOff. Return toSettings > Update & Security > Windows updateand check for updates to begin downloading your latest Windows Insider build.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

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How To Check Out New Windows 10 Features With Windows Insider#

Before You Sign Up For Windows Insider#

Installing Windows Insider Builds#

Rolling Back To Stable Windows 10 Installations#