Microsoft started rolling out a new Insider Preview Builds program following the launch of its latest Windows 10 OS. Main aim behind Insider Preview Build program was to provide programmers and coders at Microsoft an avenue to test new changes in Windows 10 before releasing them to general users. Millions around the world have since joined Microsoft’s Insider Program who test new changes in works on their PCs and provide feedback as to their functionality. All new updates that are released periodically for Windows 10 PCs are first tested through Insider Preview Builds. In previous Windows version updates were only tested by Microsoft engineers, but with Windows 10 they get broader view and feedback regarding new changes and polish final updates as per user needs, thus, increasing the likelihood of their acceptability among wider user base.
Best thing is anyone can opt to join or leave the program anytime they want. It is free to associate yourself with the Insider Build program. This guide will walk you through the process of entering or exiting the Insider Preview Program.
Join Insider Preview Build Program
First of all make sure you have latest updated Windows 10 running on your PC or laptop. Now follow instructions given below for joining the program. Keep in mind that once you join Insider Preview Build program only way to exit it is by reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 10. So proceed only if you know how to install Windows 10 from the start.
- Click on the Start button on the bottom left cornet of Windows screen or just hit Windows key on the keyboard to open Start menu.
- Now click on Settings
- Select Update & Security option on the Settings Window and click Windows Update
- Next go to Advanced Options where you will see Get Insider Preview Builds down at the bottom of the Window
- Click on Get Started
- A new Window will open prompting you to entering Microsoft account details for signing in, enter them and click get started
Upon click Get Started button a new Windows pops up displaying following warnings on the Window screen:
“You will be installing pre-released software and services that might not be fully tested.
Continue only if you…
- Know your way around a PC and feel comfortable reinstalling Windows from scratch.
- Want to try out pre-released software and share your opinion about it.
- Don’t mind Frequent updates with significant changes.
- Aren’t installing it on your everyday computer.”
Do carefully read the above mentioned warnings before hitting Next to continue or Cancel to abandon the intention of joining the program.
When you click Next, a new message window opens indicating “before you confirm note that if you ever want to stop receiving Insider Preview Builds you may need to remove everything from your PC and reinstall Windows”. Click next to restart the PC and now you are a member of Microsoft Insider Preview Builds program.
All future updates and changes will be send to your PC before the public release, try and test them and inform Microsoft about how they performed on your PC and how they can be improved further.
Leave Insider Preview Build Program
If your experience with Insider Preview Builds program has been unsatisfactory or changed your mined and want to return to normal Window 10 copy to receive only complete fully finished updates then do as instructed down below. You may be asked to install fresh copy of Windows 10 if you decide to leave the insider preview builds program, so proceed with caution.
- Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates
- In Windows Updates, select Advanced Options
- Click Stop insider preview builds button
- A new window appears giving you the option to either stop receiving preview builds for some days or permanently
- Choose ‘after how many days you want to start getting preview builds again’ or ‘want to exit permanently’ option from the drop down menu
- Hit Apply button on the screen to confirm your decision
After all is done, click Restart on restart prompt window to apply changes. To check whether you are no longer a member of insider preview build program, go back to Windows Updates option in Settings, you are good if there is ‘Get Started’ button showing under ‘Get Insider Preview Builds’.
For More, Read: Top 5 Windows 10 Apps & Windows 10 Tips & Tricks