Beginning of work. Windows Insider User Guide

Windows Insider is an insider program for Windows 10, a unique version of the operating system from Microsoft with an unfinished story. The project is designed to improve quality and functionality "Dozens" by testing its preliminary builds Insider Preview ordinary users. The essence of the program is that its participants, who can be anyone, test the system, leave their feedback and suggestions.

And Microsoft, accordingly, fixes problems and introduces new functionality. In this truly democratic way, with the participation of ordinary people, the history of Windows 10 is being made right before our eyes. Below we will talk in detail about this program, and also consider how to become a participant.

1. What is Windows Insider

Windows Insider is a branch of evolution "Dozens", existing in parallel with its stable branch. Developments presented in assemblies Insider Preview, are tested, polished, then not all of them, but only those that have proven their relevance and performance, are implemented in cumulative update packages into the stable branch of Windows 10. Such packages are released 2 times a year.

As a project, the insider program appeared in 2014, even before the official release "Dozens". The unsuccessful experience of releasing the predecessor version of Windows 8 taught Microsoft to be interested in the opinions of the user audience. By creating such a project, the company reduced the share of criticism addressed to it, laid the foundation for a new format for the development of the operating system and created a popular trend. Quite a lot of enthusiasts have already been involved in the project, the company has received more than 3 million reviews, and insider news is regularly discussed on the news. IT-resources. Noting the success of this approach to improving its products, in the summer of 2017 Microsoft began releasing Insider Preview for ruler Windows Server.

Without being involved in Windows Insider as a trend, without being an enthusiast in the field IT, it is difficult to understand the essence of this project from a rational point of view. Why Microsoft needs this is extremely clear: the company has found its own successful way to improve products and popularize them. Why should users waste time researching something that either will not be included in the system’s functionality at all, or will become available a little later, but in a stable implementation, can only be explained by curiosity and a thirst for experimentation. After all, even previously available only for insider assemblies "Dozens" The function of sending reviews in the application can now also be used by users of the stable branch of the system. In the same application, by the way, we will also find articles about the innovations of insider assemblies. True, so far only in English.

The material presented in these articles – what and how has changed in the next issue Insider Preview– reveals the concept in detail Windows Insider.

2. How to share your opinion with Microsoft

You can tell Microsoft about a Windows 10 problem or ask for new features in the application, in the section. The company's specialists urge you to monitor existing reviews and not repeat them, but to vote for existing ones if the situation has already been described.

3. Does the Insider program give you the right to use Windows 10 for free?

The Insider Program does not give you the right to use Windows 10 for free. The misconception that insiders are supplied with a licensed system free of charge arose during the testing phase of the first builds. Both then and now insider "Ten" comes in a trial version. It’s just that at first, such a trial version was automatically activated and provided access to personalization settings. In the summer of 2015, Microsoft closed this opportunity, and since then releases Insider Preview subject to activation with a license key on a general basis.

4. Basic concepts

Windows Insider, like any other large-scale project, has its own concepts.

Project codename

Microsoft developments have code names for internal use. These are technical names by which projects are called at the stages of inception and development. If these projects have a future, at the ready stage they already receive names from marketers. For example, the Windows 8 project during development was called Blue. Standard browser "Dozens" had a code name Project Spartan, and a new design language for modern system functionality Fluent Design — Project Neon .

The Windows 10 project itself originally had a code name Threshold . Threshold 1 And 2 – these are the stages of implementation of updates up to 2015 inclusive. And, starting from 2016, the update project "Dozens" got a code name Redstone. At the time of writing, this project has 4 update implementation stage. Stage Redstone 3 in the fall of 2017 ended with the final release of the package Fall Creators Update, after which the stage began Redstone 4, within the framework of which current Insider Preview.

Versions

Paradoxically, Windows version 10 has its own versions - 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803 . Versions change once or twice a year as cumulative update packages are rolled out. The first two digits of the version indicate the year of implementation of such updates, the last two - the month. As part of the insider program, at the time of writing, a version is being tested 1709 , and when the update package is released in 2018, the version will become 1803 .

Assemblies

Each version "Dozens" have their own assemblies. Their numbers contain information about the implementation of certain functional updates. Build numbering changes frequently, and even more frequently within the Insider Program.

The assemblies are:

Basic - include a large amount of updates and consist of whole numbers - 17046, 17061, 17063 and so on.;
Additional - contains minor changes and bug fixes. In their numbering after the build number (after the dot) there is an additional digital code - for example, 17063.1000 .

The numbering of assemblies does not have a clear sequence. The higher the build number, the more recent it is. You can find out the version and build number of Windows 10 in the Win + X menu by selecting .

In systems Insider Preview, plus, build numbers are displayed above the task area.

– this is the frequency of receiving updates within the Insider program and the level of readiness for such updates. There are 3 access circles:

Release Preview– the safest type of receiving updates is when they have already been polished and tested. But they are being introduced into Insider Preview late, a little earlier than entry into the stable branch of Windows 10;
Late access – updates with a lower degree of readiness than on the circle Release Preview, but more stable and improved than in the early access circle;
Early Access – the most frequent, latest updates Insider Preview, unpolished, with errors, often leading the system to unstable operation.

The Early Access circle is the riskiest, but that's the point Windows Insider– explore new operating system innovations ahead of others. Late Access Circles and Release Preview reduce the likelihood of problems occurring, but do not eliminate them altogether. So, for any choice of circle, releases Insider Preview It’s better to investigate not on working systems, but on virtual machines or at least on other disk partitions.

5. What it takes to become an insider

To become an Insider, you must have a Microsoft account. If it is, we can proceed in different ways:

Or download Insider Preview ISO and install the system from scratch;
Or connect the insider program to already installed stable Windows 10.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons.

6. Install Insider Preview from scratch

Installation Insider Preview starting from scratch is easier, since in this case the system will be installed with the main updates already implemented. But there is a nuance, more on that later.

To download the latest build Insider Preview go to the Microsoft website page:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsinsiderpreviewiso

Log in using your Microsoft account. In the column, select the latest current build, i.e. the one that will have a higher numerical value. At the time of writing this article 17025 .

An alternative way to download assemblies Insider Preview- free utility. It downloads images faster than the browser from the Microsoft website, offers convenient access to the build history, and allows you to download other insider editions of Windows 10 and Windows Server.

When installing Insider Preview choosing an editor Pro.

And we install the system in the usual way. When it is already installed, click on this notification.

Or we go to the settings ourselves Windows Insider in the application "Options". Here we connect a Microsoft account to the program.

In an ideal situation, this would allow us to select access circles and, in accordance with the choice, update the system to the current state.

However, with the current assembly at the time of writing Insider Preview 17025 the ideal arrangement did not work out. It is impossible to connect a Microsoft account to the program, and, as reported at the top of the settings window, this problem will be fixed in the build 17037 . This assembly will appear on the late access circle, since it is pre-installed in the distribution Insider Preview.

7. Joining a Windows Insider from a stable Windows 10 environment

There should be no problems connecting your Microsoft account if you join the Insider program from a stable environment "Dozens". Let's go to settings Windows Insider in the application "Options". Click.

Connect your Microsoft account.

By the way, we can not connect it to the entire system and continue working from a local account. To do this, you only need to click on the login link for one application.

First option - it's a circle Release Preview;
Second option – this is the ability to choose early or late access circles;
Third option - this is only an early access circle.

We confirm the fact of joining the program.

We start checking and installing updates.

Stable update "Dozens" before Insider Preview will proceed in the same way as cumulative updates are implemented - the system will prepare everything in the background, then ask for a restart and implement the updates in a pre-boot state. The disadvantage of this method is the long process of preparing and implementing updates..

Want to be the first to experience the new, just released builds of the Windows 10 operating system? Below we will tell you what needs to be done for this.

Joining the Windows 10 Insider testing program was a bit of a hassle at first, only available to Microsoft's biggest fans and most dedicated developers. But when the final version of Windows 10 was released, joining the testing program and getting preview builds became much easier for every user.

If these builds interest you, but you don't know where to start or how to get them, this article is for you.

What will you need?

To become an “insider” (participant of the Windows 10 Insider program), you need a Microsoft account and a computer/tablet/smartphone with a licensed version of Windows 10. You can choose which version to test: for PC, for mobile devices, or both.

How to exit the testing program

What if you wanted to go back to the final version of Windows 10? This is quite easy to do. Open the Settings app - Update & Security. Click Stop receiving Insider Preview builds.

A window will appear asking you to re-enable receiving preview builds in a day, three, or five. Instead, you can click "Need to stop getting Insider builds Completely?"

But as Microsoft warns, this method does not always work, which is why you should create a restore point in advance. If all measures do not work, you will have to install Windows 10 from scratch, and then transfer all previously copied files to the new system.

That's all, if you still have any questions about participating in the Windows Insider program, you can ask them in the comments.

If you haven't registered yet, register as a Windows Insider on the official website. You will need a Microsoft account.
Install the latest stable version of Windows 10 on your computer. To participate in the Windows 10 Insider Preview testing, you must be using a licensed version of Windows 10.

If your PC is currently running Windows 7/8/8.1, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free using the instructions below.

If you are having trouble installing Windows 10, you can directly download and install the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview build.

Windows 10 Insider Settings

Open Settings (Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program). To see this option, you need to have administrator rights on your computer.
Under click Begin.

In the section, click + to link your Microsoft account that you used to sign up for the Windows Insider program. Next, click “Continue.”

In the section, select to get the current Windows 10 Insider Preview builds and click Confirm. Select Only patches, applications and drivers, if you want to use updates in the Release Preview channel to get all the new apps, drivers, and fixes without new builds of Windows. Option Move to the next release of Windows(Skip Ahead to the next Windows release) allows Windows Insider program members with Early Access update priority to skip directly to Pre-release builds of the next major Windows 10 update. Learn more in the section.

If you switched to content type Active development for Windows in the section select Early Access, if you want to receive the latest Insider Preview builds. Please note that this update channel may contain bugs and other issues. If you prefer to receive a more stable build, select Late access. Click "Confirm".

Review the privacy statement and program terms and conditions and click Confirm.
Click "Restart Now" or "Restart Later" to complete the registration process on your computer.

Completing the installation

After your computer restarts, open the menu Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates to download the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview based on the settings you selected above.

Once the download is complete, you will be given two options to restart: Click “Restart Now” or “Schedule Restart” to complete the installation.

Once you install a preview build of Windows 10, you will receive the latest new builds automatically. To make sure you have the latest version of Windows 10 Insider Preview, simply check for new builds in Windows Update.
You can get the latest information about new builds on our website on the pages Windows 10 Insider Preview, Windows 10 19H1, Windows 10 19H2 and Windows 10 20H1.

Your participation in the Windows Insider program helps grow Windows 10

Your feedback, suggestions, and bug reports on Insider Preview builds go directly to Microsoft engineers to help improve the Windows operating system. To send feedback to developers, open the Feedback Center application from the start menu. The Feedback Hub app provides quick access to Pre-Test program news, requests, community, and other resources.

Selecting the appropriate update channel

Description of update channels

The frequency of receiving test builds of Insider Preview is determined by update channels (or “update circles”). Each update channel offers a different level of build stability and comes with a specific frequency of availability of new builds.

Channels are used to evaluate the quality of software as new features and components are delivered to a wider audience of Insiders. If the build successfully passes automated testing in the laboratory, then Microsoft releases a new feature, application, etc. for the channel at the most frequent intervals. Evaluation testing of the build will continue until the criteria for moving the build to another update channel are met. To help deliver builds to Windows Insiders more quickly, Microsoft has changed how builds are promoted through different update channels, changed the criteria for moving a build from one channel to another, and added a new update channel.

Early Access

The main advantage of using the Early Access channel is that you are the first to receive new features and components and therefore the first to provide feedback on them. On the other hand, you must be prepared to face a large number of problems, glitches and malfunctions that can disrupt your activity and require serious measures to correct.

Since each build is tested in the laboratory on a limited number of devices before release, there is a chance that some functions may not work on devices with a certain configuration. If you encounter a serious system performance issue, please report the issue to the Feedback Hub app or the Windows Insider forums and be prepared to perform a complete reinstall of Windows using the Media Creation Tool.

Late access

By using the Late Access update channel, you also get new updates and features in development, but these builds will have a higher level of stability. Test builds are sent to the Late Access channel after feedback has been received from Insiders in the Early Access channel and the data has been analyzed by Microsoft engineers. Late Access channel builds include fixes for major issues that may prevent test builds from being used on a daily basis. Build data comes from the Development branch and may still include bugs that will be fixed in future builds.

Release Preview Program

The Release Preview channel is a great option for those users who want to use the current official release of Windows 10, but want early access to updates, new applications and drivers without the risks associated with receiving Develop builds.

Release Preview is only available if the current version of Windows matches the current production version. The easiest way to switch between the Development branch and the Production branch is to use the Media Creation Tool.

This is a unique version of the Early Access build that allows Insiders to "move to the next version" of Windows 10 Insider Preview while the current release is being finalized. The " " option is available for a limited time to a small number of Windows Insiders.

Switching to another update channel is easy. Go to menu Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.

In the section, click on the current channel and select the type of preview builds and their frequency on your device: Late Access, Early Access, Release Preview Program or Go To.

Working with updates

Once you sign up for the Windows Insider program and install your first Insider Preview build, you will receive updates on your device connected to the program. During the development phase of a new version of Windows 10, the test build number will change with each update. There are two main types of assemblies that come with a device.

Basic assemblies

Major builds include various combinations of new features, updates to existing features, bug fixes, app improvements, and other changes. When a major build is released, the build version number changes to one. The sequence of build numbers may not be followed due to internal criteria for migrating a build to another update channel. For example, after build 18860, build 18865 may be released.

Additional (service) assemblies

Known as "service" or "cumulative" updates, these builds include a small set of changes to the current major build. Service builds typically include bug fixes, minor operating system updates, and other minor improvements. For example, when a service build is released, the system version number may change from 18351.1 to 18351.8, and then to 18351.26.

What builds to expect on different update channels

Although there are no clear requirements for build numbers on each update channel, the following trend can be noted:

Early access: releases of main builds, a small number of service builds
Late access: major builds with minor fixes
Release Preview program: changes to the main build at a key moment and a subsequent series of service builds until the next release

Computer recovery

If you are faced with a situation where you cannot continue to use your computer, you should take steps to restore your PC to a stable and operational state.

Users have several options available to them, such as just reinstalling the operating system or completely wiping your device. Go to menu Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, click “Start” in the “ section Restore your computer to its original state" Follow the onscreen prompts to perform a clean installation of the operating system.

Return to a previous version of Windows 10

If your computer worked correctly on the previous build, then you can roll back to the old version, saving all your data. Go to menu Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, click “Start” in the “ section

Since the announcement of the new operating system from Microsoft, the concepts of Technical Preview and Insider Preview have appeared. For a person ignorant of the English language, all these abstruse concepts mean nothing. Therefore, we are faced with the task of explaining the popular meaning of the term Windows 10 Insider for the “beast” and what is it eaten with? Let's try to figure it out. But in order to participate in this program, you will have to learn at least a little English. So, let's go.

Background

After the failure of the shameful G8, Microsoft spent a long time licking its wounds. This is what happens when a company founder retires. Be that as it may, we must move on. The new operating system was assigned the number 10. They immediately jumped over the “nine”. It was said about the “ten” that it would become the “last” OS. That is, all innovations will be released as global updates for the “ten”. No new numbers. No sooner said than done. A preliminary version of the "ten" was released.

And here an incident happened. It turns out that the new OS closely monitors the user's every move. What a scam! Microsoft responded to this by saying that the system is in a test stage, so it is vital for developers to know what is going on on the user’s PC in order to avoid possible problems. However, the spy elements were not eliminated in the final release. Well, that's not the point. Along with the release of the first test "ten", Microsoft launched the Windows 10 Insider Preview program. What it is? Let's take a look below.

What is this?

The program is as follows. A person registers an account with Microsoft, agrees to become a participant in the program and receives a free test build of the system. By installing it on his PC, he agrees that he will receive crude and unfinished updates, which may well “hang” his entire computer. His task is to test the performance of the system and regularly send reports to Microsoft. It should be noted that Insider Preview builds of Windows 10 are not stable and are actually very buggy. And the most interesting thing is that the user does not receive any bonus for his work.

Before the release of the official full release of the "dozens", its releases "for the elite" were called Technical Preview. But after the release, even Microsoft was embarrassed to call a product that was already being sold for money this way. Therefore the name was changed to Insider. It's more solid that way. The first build of Windows 10 Insider Preview 14393 was so buggy that it could easily kill the processor along with the motherboard. And there have been cases. You don't think Microsoft at least somehow compensated users for their costs? Right. No.

The essence of the program

A person who becomes an “insider” dooms himself to eternal hell. His car will never work stably. Although this does not threaten everyone. There are two rounds of updates to the "tens" test builds. The first - a quick circle - throws out the latest and most buggy new updates to users. A user who chooses this path is a 100% masochist. For the first and most destructive blow, if something happens, will fall precisely on his PC. For example, the notorious Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14393 crashed more than one computer.

However, there is a second round of updating - a slow one. It includes those updates that have already been “patched” after they almost killed the computers of the masochists of the fast update circle. Comrades from the slow circle are less susceptible to catastrophic situations than others. Although there are plenty of glitches here too. But, as they say, he called himself an “insider” - be patient. However, with the release of Insider Preview 14901 the situation has changed for the better. There are fewer glitches.

How to become an "insider"?

It is highly not recommended to do this. But if you have the urge, then what should you do? We'll tell you. In order to become an "insider", you first need to register an account on the official Microsoft website. The registration process is very simple. Even easier than creating a mailbox. After successful registration, you will need to download the Windows 10 Insider Preview iso image. Download, upload to a USB flash drive and install. New installation of the system. Because updating from Win 7, for example, works very crookedly in test builds. So it's better to install everything again.

Choosing an operating system edition is a very important matter. Especially if this OS is so buggy. As they say, dying is like music. Feel free to choose Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview. Of course, there won’t be fewer glitches, but at least there will be a professional version. If you get tired of engaging in masochism, you can exit the program very simply. Install the normal version of the operating system and abandon the Microsoft account.

What risks accompany an “insider”?

Grab a pen - the list is long. There are a lot of risks, but you should only know those that can lead to the collapse of all your equipment. Of course, Microsoft does not talk about them, because then they would not attract a single “guinea pig” to their side. But the truth is this: tens test sides can seriously harm your computer. So it's worth really thinking about whether you need to sign up and whether the Windows 10 Insider Preview program is worth it. What kind of program is this that doesn’t have a single bonus? And this is for the hardships that users endure?

Risks also include improper operation of equipment. The fact is that the “ten” will not support old equipment. Not at all. So, before participating in the program, think about whether your equipment will handle it. More precisely, the equipment will work if it meets the system requirements. But will it work normally with the “ten”? That's the whole question. How many user computers have been killed due to a simple inability to read “material parts”.

Mobile users

In addition to PC and laptop users, Microsoft decided to “make happy” the owners of mobile gadgets on the Windows platform. There is an Insider Preview. Things with stability on the mobile platform are even worse than for desktop computer owners. Constant crashes, glitches, reboots are just the tip of the iceberg. The problems with the mobile version are much deeper. Poor optimization with smartphone hardware is the main problem.

You can become a member of the mobile program in the same way as in the case of a PC. Only you won’t need to download the image for installation. You just need to update your system to the latest version. At least Microsoft did something adequate. The update works stably. But everything else is quiet horror. As mentioned above, only a latent masochist can participate in this program. And the Microsoft developers act as sadists.

Program bonuses

There are no bonuses in the program at all. Only the exclusive right to try all the innovations of the operating system first. For some, this is enough. But some people join the program with the goal of getting a free license for the normal version of “ten”. But keys from insider builds do not fit normal versions. Most of the “insiders” are eliminated at this stage. But some remain in the hope that they will receive a license from Microsoft for all their torment and hardships. So, there is information for such people. Ready?

Users who participated in the Insider Program will not receive any license! The company announced this just recently. That is, Microsoft freely used testers (they usually pay good money for this) and gently sent users away, forcing them to pay in full for the normal version of Windows. However, one cannot expect anything else from Microsoft. This is clear to every thinking person.

Recruitment continues

Nevertheless, Microsoft is actively recruiting new users into the camp of “insiders.” And the most interesting thing is that many fall for it. Even with complete disregard for the company. Everyone has known for a long time that companies don’t care about people. They only care about revenue. There are now new terms in the Windows 10 Insider Preview program. What are these conditions?

Firstly, the license agreement now clearly states: program participants cannot count on any bonuses. Secondly, the agreement clearly states that the user himself is responsible for possible consequences (for example, equipment failure). Thirdly, the user by default agrees to total surveillance by the company. And where Microsoft then puts this information - only the devil knows. This is the trap of the 21st century.

What do you need to do to become an “insider” of the mobile program?

Little is needed for this. First, you need to create a Microsoft account. To do this, you need to go to the official website of the company. After that, go to your personal account and confirm participation in the program. This is where the differences begin. After some time, an operating system update to the insider state will arrive on your smartphone. However, be prepared for the fact that after the update your device will begin to slow down mercilessly. Some very interesting glitches can also occur.

In addition, the entire device will work noticeably slower. This is due to the means of spying on user actions. All of them slow down the operating system and the device as a whole. Don't forget about constant system updates that will bring new glitches. And do you need it? For a few new features? Hardly. But if you want, do it for God's sake. Just don’t be surprised if your gadget turns into a brick.

Conclusion

So, the only good thing about the Microsoft Insider program is that you can be the first to try out new features of the operating system. But there are few roses here. Mostly just thorns. The list of troubles is long: glitches, slowdowns, system crashes, possible equipment failure, constant surveillance of users by Microsoft. I could go on for a long time. But it's not worth it. Now you know the whole truth about this program. And now it’s up to you whether to subscribe to this dubious pleasure or use a normal, functional operating system. The choice here is obvious. And if you value stability most of all, then abandon Windows altogether and switch to operating systems of the Linux family. They are much more reliable. And there are no problems with viruses.

A huge number of Windows users are very interested in a special program from Microsoft called “Windows 10 Insider”. Let us immediately hasten to please the owners of computers who prefer the Windows operating system that the program will not be completed in the near future, since specialists from the giant software industry liked the help of a huge division of users in improving Windows 10. It is a pity that Microsoft did not do this before thought of it earlier, because in this case the “stillborn” Vista and Eight would not have been born.

What is the purpose of an insider?

This is a specially designed application for preliminary analysis of Windows. Each computer owner voluntarily has the opportunity to help in the development and elimination of errors in Windows 10. Simply put, a volunteer who has installed the “Windows 10 Insider” program and registered in the system can, along with Microsoft specialists, create a new operating system.

The essence of the procedure or how to become a participant in three steps

The following three steps must be completed:

The head of the Windows Insider program, Gabriel Aul, authoritatively claims that 100% of participants will receive a unique opportunity to become the owner of the latest version of the OS for free.

Note: "Ten" is the most recent version of the Windows operating system. After it, OSes with indexes 11, etc., will no longer appear. Next, Microsoft will improve the system as a service and develop updates for it.

What actions should the participant perform?

A member of the Windows Insider program decides on a completely voluntary basis and in accordance with his capabilities the degree of his contribution to the common cause.

Absolutely no one will force him to perform any actions, but only in accordance with his capabilities to participate in Microsoft forums and share his personal recommendations for improving the system. It should be noted that even a person who is not a participant has the right to test Ten, but he will have to re-install all newly received assemblies manually. Of course, it’s easier to register once and install “Windows Insider”, so that later the builds will arrive like regular updates.

Detailed instructions on the procedure for becoming a full-fledged participant in the program

If the user has expressed a strong desire to join the large army of “Windows Insider” participants, then the step-by-step guide for doing this consists of the following sequential steps:

Note: Sometimes it happens that the "PC" key does not work. This means that at this moment work is being performed and you need to wait for a message about this by email, for example, like the one in the figure below:

In this case, you just need to be patient and wait.

User actions in case of creating an account during installation of Windows 10

After completing the installation procedure, you need to immediately switch to your Microsoft account. Then open “Options” and make the following settings:

Options for working in update circles

There are the following two options for assemblies to arrive.