


Originally, the program used a system where each build was tested by gradually increasing audiences called rings. Unlike most prior testing programs, which tended to be limited only to select developers and/or partners, the Insider program is fully open to the public. The Windows Insider Program launched on 1 October 2014 together with the release of the first Windows 10 Technical Preview, build 9841. It is the only channel to receive new pre-release Windows 10 updates since the release of Windows 11. Release Preview Channel, which receives finished updates prior to their general rollout to consumers.Beta Channel, which receives work in progress updates from the release branch of the latest Windows 11 feature update.Dev Channel, which receives builds from the pre-release branch of the latest Windows 11 feature update.Canary Channel, which receives pre-release builds of the latest engineering milestone.Currently, the Insider program offers the following channels: The Insider infrastructure is also used for Microsoft's internal selfhosting effort, with internal channels receiving builds both before and after the public channels however, they are not a formal part of the Insider program.


The Insider program allows users to pick the builds they want to receive by enrolling to a specific channel.
