Windows 10 Insider Testing Program Streamlined By Microsoft

The big tech giant is changing the way it releases new test builds of windows 10 operating system to its community of testers and enthusiasts -- the 'windows insiders.'

Previously testers are able to choose between skip ahead/fast, slow and release preview rings. Fast ring caters to those who want updates the fastest and were comfortable with bugs. Slow ring caters to those who prefer a more stable and less frequent updates. Release preview ring caters to those who already use officially released versions of windows 10 but want early access to servicing updates.

According to Microsoft's principal program manager Amanda Langowski, the ring model lead to confusion sometimes. "In the middle of 2019, Insiders were running builds from 3 different releases (at various stages in our development cycle) with the Fast ring being on 20H1, the Slow ring on 19H2 code, and the Release Preview ring on 19H1 code," she wrote in the blog post announcing the change.

The new channel model will focus on quality rather than frequency of builds. This model introduces the Dev channel, beta channel and Release Preview channel.

Langowski explains:

Dev channel: Ideal for highly technical users. Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive builds that is earliest in a development cycle and will contain the latest work-in-progress code from our engineers. These builds will have rough edges and some instability that could block key activities or require workarounds.

These builds are not matched to a specific Windows 10 release. New features and OS improvements in this channel will show up in future Windows 10 releases when they’re ready and may be delivered as full OS build updates or servicing releases. Insider feedback here will help our engineers with major fixes and changes to the latest code.

Beta channel: Ideal for early adopters. Insiders and IT Professionals in the Beta Channel can check out upcoming Windows 10 features, while still getting relatively reliable updates that are validated by Microsoft.

As a part of the Beta Channel, Insiders will see builds that will be tied to a specific upcoming release, like 20H1 previously. Your feedback will be especially important here, since it will help our engineers make sure that key issues are identified and fixed before a major release.

Release Preview channel: Insiders and IT Professionals in the Release Preview Channel will have access to the upcoming release of Windows 10 prior to it being released to the world, with advanced quality updates and certain key features. These builds are supported by Microsoft. The Release Preview Channel is where we recommend companies preview and validate upcoming Windows 10 releases before broad deployment within their organization.

As we continue to evolve the way we’re building and releasing Windows 10 in the future, we may introduce new channels for new experiences for Insiders.

Langowski also wrote that Testers will "find similar offering names and expectations across Windows and Office programs and soon Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Teams."

Current testers do not have to do anything as their devices will automatically be switched to the appropriate channel based on their current rings.