How to join the Windows 10 Insider preview program
If you’ve been curious about Windows 10 Insider builds, but are wondering where to start, look no further. Here’s what you need to know about the program, and how to join when ready.
To become a Windows 10 Insider, all you need is a Microsoft account and a PC running Windows 10. Of course, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free provided you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on a PC that meets Microsoft’s system requirements, but reverting to these operating systems from the preview becomes a bigger ordeal. You’ll want to create recovery media (for Windows 7) or a USB recovery key (for Windows 8) before getting started.
Assuming you’re running Windows 10, you should first create a restore point that you can go back to if things go wrong. And no matter what operating system you’re on, it’s a good idea to back up any important data before you take the plunge. Worst case scenario, you may have to reinstall Windows from scratch.
A few more disclaimers, coming straight from Microsoft: Only join the preview program if you don’t mind lots of updates and sudden changes, are comfortable with troubleshooting, can handle backing up and restoring an operating system, and know what an ISO is and how to use it. Microsoft also recommends only installing the preview on a PC that isn’t your daily driver.
Realistically, we’re all just playing a bit of CYA here. Windows 10 insider builds shouldn’t wreak much havoc on your PC, especially for the more stable preview options that Microsoft offers (more on that shortly), and switching back to the main version Windows 10 is pretty easy. But as always, it pays to be prepared.
With all that in mind, let’s get started:
Once you’ve hopped on board the Windows Insider program, you can choose from three levels of preview builds, ranging from most stable with fewest new features, to least stable with lots of rapid changes. Here’s how Microsoft describes them:
Note that by default, you’re signed up for Release Preview, but you can switch rings at any time. Just head to the Windows Update menu in Windows Settings, select Advanced Options, and adjust the slider near the bottom of the screen.
Want to get back to the main, stable version of Windows 10 That’s easy, or at least it’s supposed to be. Return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select Advanced Options. You’ll see an option for “Stop Insider Preview Builds.”
A pop-up window will appear, with an option to turn Insider Preview builds back on in one, three, or five days. Alternatively, you can click “Stop receiving Insider Preview builds” to remain on the main version of Windows indefinitely.
As Microsoft itself warns, this method may not work in all cases, which is why it’s a good idea to set a restore point beforehand. If all else fails, you can reinstall Windows 10 from scratch, and hopefully transfer all the precious you dutifully backed up earlier.