Windows Insider Program User Guide. Windows Insider Program User Guide Windows 10 Insider Build

Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 10 Insider Preview 17046, which is available to members of the Early Fast Ring and those who opted for the Skip Ahead option.

Improvements have affected the Microsoft Edge browser. It can now save and automatically fill in fields for entering addresses and other contact information. When you enter such data, the web browser will prompt you to save them. In the future, you can fill in all the relevant fields by simply selecting the saved information from the drop-down menu.

In addition, the Windows shell has undergone improvements. In particular, a new quick way to access advanced options has been added. Instead of going through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > (desired app) > Advanced Options (Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > (app) > Advanced Options), you can right-click mouse on a UWP app or its tile in the Start menu and use the new Settings command from the More submenu. It will immediately open a page where you can restore the application, manage add-ons and view available tasks at startup.

Updated emoji in all supported languages. Options have been added to allow you to view and control the activity history that Cortana uses to enable you to pick up where you left off. These features are found in Settings > Privacy > Activity history.

It has been out for a long time, but the Windows Insider program continues to work.

Testers get early access to new Windows features and can use new builds of Windows 10 months before they are available to all users.

If you own a Windows 10 PC, we can participate in the Windows Insider program to receive priority preview builds. You can take part in the program not on a permanent basis - at any time you can refuse to participate. The Windows Insider program is for users who are not afraid of potential problems and don't mind reporting bugs.

Warnings

As with beta testing programs, you can choose to receive updates before they become available to other users. The build data may contain errors and may be incomplete, so you need to be clear about what you are subscribing to. Microsoft does not recommend the use of test builds on main workstations - they are ideal for computers on which you can experiment and run tests without fear of personal data.

Microsoft warns that after you activate this feature, you may need to clean install Windows 10 to return to a stable build. You can also remove preview builds within 30 days and restore a stable version of Windows 10.

How to become a member of the Windows Insider Program

To become a member of the pretest program, you need to log in to a Microsoft account, a local account will not work. The account will become part of the Windows Insider program.

Make sure you're signed in to your Microsoft account. If it's not, go to the Settings app, go to Accounts and use the option to convert your local account to a Microsoft account.

Click the "Download" button on this page, visit the Windows Insider Program website in a web browser, and log in with your Microsoft account. Join the program directly on the web page - it's absolutely free. Your account will be enrolled in the Windows Insider program and you will be able to receive test builds after setting up the receiving settings.

You can then go to the Settings app on an authorized Windows 10 computer, select "Update and Security" and then "Windows Insider Program"). Scroll down and select the "Get Started" option under the "Get Insider Preview Builds" section. If you are not signed in to an account registered in the Windows Insider program, you will first be prompted to sign in. You need to agree to the warning message. After that, the computer will restart.

If the Get Started button is greyed out and inactive, visit Settings > Privacy > Feedback & Diagnostics and set the "Diagnostics and usage data" option to "Full details (recommended)". If "Basic Information" is specified, you will not be able to activate receiving Insider Preview builds. Microsoft needs diagnostic information from users of pre-test builds.

Choose from Early Access, Late Access or Release Preview

After joining the Windows Insider Program, you can go back to the Windows Insider Program and use the options to control how you get builds. In the "Get Insider Preview builds" section, you can choose the priority for receiving updates: Early Access, Late Access and Release Preview. Early access (fast ring) allows you to get builds more often and faster. Builds are made available to slow ring users when they become stable after being tested in the fast ring. The Release Preview channel gives you access to the most secure beta builds of Windows 10.

Install the Insider Hub App

The Insider Hub is not automatically installed if you join the Windows Insider program. To install the app, go to Settings > System > Apps & Features, select the "Manage Extras" link, scroll down the list and select the "Insider Hub" option.

After that, Insider Hub will appear in the list of installed applications. The application contains various so-called “quests” that guide users to test various Windows 10 Insider Preview features, report changes and issues that are observed in test builds, and display general information about the user profile.

Send data to Microsoft

If you encounter an error, Windows will automatically send a large amount of information to Microsoft. However, you can also leave comments in the Reviews app. This application is available on all versions of Windows 10 and allows you to report problems, request new features, and vote on other bugs you find.

Opting out of receiving test builds

To stop receiving Insider Preview builds, you can go to "Advanced Options" and select the "Stop receiving Insider Preview builds" option. You will receive a thank you for participating in the program and your computer will restart. You will not need to terminate your participation in the program with your Microsoft account. Windows will only install test builds on computers with the option enabled, not on all PCs with your account.

The warning message that is displayed when activating the option to get Insider Preview builds notifies you that canceling may require a clean install of Windows 10. If you have installed Insider Preview builds, you can go to the Recovery section of the Update & Security section of the Settings app to remove the assembly. The warning message contains links to a page with detailed information.

Since the announcement of the new operating system from Microsoft, the concepts of Technical Preview and Insider Preview have appeared. For a person who is 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 infamous G8, Microsoft licked its wounds for a long time. This is what happens when the founder of a company retires. Whatever the case, we must move on. The new operating system was assigned the number 10. They immediately jumped over the "nine". About the "top ten" it was said that it would become the "last" OS. That is, all innovations will be released as global updates for the "tens". No new numbers. No sooner said than done. The preliminary version of the "dozens" saw the light.

And here the incident happened. It turns out that the new OS closely monitors every step of the user. What told! Microsoft responded to this by saying that the system is in a test stage, so it is vital for developers to know what is happening on the user's PC in order to avoid possible problems. However, the spy elements were not eliminated in the final release either. Well, 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 member of the program and receives a free test assembly of the system. By installing it on his PC, he agrees that he will receive raw and unfinished updates that may well "hang" his entire computer. His job is to test the health of the system and send regular reports to Microsoft. It should be noted that Windows 10 Insider Preview builds are not very stable and are really very buggy. And the most interesting thing is that the user does not receive any bonus for their work.

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

The essence of the program

A person who has become an "insider" dooms himself to eternal hell. His car will never run stably. Although this is not for everyone. There are two rounds of updates to the "dozens" test builds. The first - a quick circle - throws users the latest and most buggy new clothes. A user who has chosen this path is a 100% masochist. For the first and most destructive blow, in which case, it will be on his PC. For example, the notorious Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14393 hung more than one computer.

However, there is a second round of renewal - a slow one. It includes those updates that have already been "patched" after they almost killed the computers of the masochists of the quick update circle. Comrades from the slow circle are less prone to catastrophic situations than others. Although there are enough glitches here. But, as they say, he called himself an "insider" - be patient. True, 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 discouraged to do this. But if you are impatient, then what to do. Let's tell. 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 system installation. For updating from Win 7, for example, in test assemblies works very crookedly. So it's better to put everything back.

The choice of edition of the operating system is a very important matter. Especially if this OS is so buggy. As they say, to die is the same with music. Feel free to choose Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview. Glitches, of course, will not decrease, but at least there will be a professional version. If you get tired of engaging in masochism, then you can exit the program very simply. Install a 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 are supposed to know only those that can lead to the collapse of all your equipment. Of course, "Microsoft" does not cover them, because then they would not have attracted a single "guinea pig" to their side. But the truth is: 10 test boxes can seriously harm your computer. Therefore, it is worth considering very carefully whether you need to subscribe and whether the Windows 10 Insider Preview program is worth it. What is this program in which there is not a single bonus? And this is for the hardships that endure users?

The risk also includes improper operation of the equipment. The matter is that "ten" will not begin to support the old equipment. Not at all. So think before you participate in the program, whether your equipment will pull. More precisely, the equipment will pull if it meets the system requirements. But will it work fine with the "ten"? This is the whole question. How many user computers were killed due to the elementary inability to read "materiel".

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 a mobile platform are even worse than those of desktop owners. Constant crashes, glitches, reboots - this is just the tip of the iceberg. The problems of 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 the image for installation will not need to be downloaded. All you have to do is update your system to the latest version. At least something in "Microsoft" did adequately. The update is stable. But everything else is quiet horror. As mentioned above, only a latent masochist can participate in this program. And the Microsoft developers are playing the role of a sadist.

Program bonuses

There are no bonuses in the program at all. Only the exclusive right to try all the innovations of the operating system in the first place. For some, this is enough. But some enter the program in order to get a free license for the normal version of the "dozens". But keys from insider builds don't fit the normal versions. Most of the "insiders" are eliminated at this stage. But some remain in the hope that they will get a license from Microsoft for all their torment and deprivation. So, for such people there is information. Ready?

Users participating in the Insider Program will not receive any license! This company announced recently. That is, Microsoft used testers for free (usually they pay good money for this) and gently sent users, forcing them to pay in full for the normal version of Windows. However, nothing else can be expected from Microsoft. This is clear to any thinking person.

Recruitment continues

Nevertheless, "Microsoft" is actively recruiting new users in the "insider" camp. And the most interesting thing is that a lot of people fall for it. Even with complete disregard for the company. Everyone has long known that companies do not care about people. They only care about profit. There are now new terms in the Windows 10 Insider Preview program. What are these conditions?

Firstly, now the license agreement 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, for equipment failure). Thirdly, the user, by default, agrees to total surveillance by the company. And where "Microsoft" then puts this information - one hell knows. This is the trap of the 21st century.

What needs to be done in order to become an "insider" of the mobile program?

Little is needed for this. First you need to create a Microsoft account. To do this, 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. There may be some very interesting glitches.

In addition, the entire device will work noticeably slower. This is due to the means of spying on user activities. All of them slow down the operating system and the device as a whole. Do not forget about the constant updates of the system, which will bring new glitches. And do you need it? For some new features? Hardly. But if you want - then for God's sake. Only then do not be surprised if your gadget turns into a brick.

Conclusion

So, the Microsoft insider program is good only because you can be the first to try out new features of the operating system. But there are few roses. Mostly just thorns. The list of troubles is long: glitches, brakes, system crashes, possible equipment failure, constant surveillance of users by Microsoft. It could go on for a long time. But not worth it. Now you know the whole truth about this program. And now it depends only on you whether to subscribe to this dubious pleasure or use a normal, workable 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.

This week's first Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15063 has hit the Fast Ring for both desktop and mobile. Throughout the week, no builds were observed for the mobile version, due to a bug that was not made public. So, the build does not introduce any innovations, but there are about a dozen improvements.

Troubleshooting for PC

In general, few bugs have been fixed, but there are still many unsolved problems:

1. Fixed a build 15061 bug that caused the Microsoft Edge browser to freeze.
2. Fixed problems with installing files and registry keys after activating the .NET Framework 3.5 framework.

Improvements and fixes for smartphones

Smartphones after updating to build 15063 get:

1. Fixed a bug that prevented standard applications such as Calculator or Store from launching and updating.
2. We fixed issues with background processes that triggered a chain of errors in syncing images with OneDrive.
3. Fixed bugs that caused the history of messages, calls or mail to disappear if the smartphone suddenly rebooted.
4. In this build, language packs are now freely loaded on the system.
5. Fixed a bug that prevented owners of smartphones with an insider build from connecting via Bluetooth to the car.
6. Fixed a bug that did not allow changing the default access point for an LTE connection.

Remaining bugs

What tasks remain to be solved on the PC:

Bugs known on smartphones:

1. Updating directly from Windows 10 Anniversary Update 14393 to 15063 will not work. Fast Ring will offer you 15055. Install this build first and then download 15063 Windows 10 Insider Preview.
2. Bugs while scrolling pages in Microsoft Edge are still present. Some sites may accidentally reload or update.

To begin with, let's clarify that all the changes discovered by the "insiders" at the moment relate to the "Parameters" panel. So Windows 10 Insider Preview 14267 (and maybe in earlier builds), in the main color selection panel ( Personalization → Colors) has slightly improved the element indicating the selected color. It received a tick and a dark frame, now it is better visible to people with disabilities.

In chapter Update & Security → Backup Service there is a new tool for backing up data in OneDrive. We are talking about backing up settings, home screen layouts (Start menu), accounts and passwords.

The user can enable automatic data backup or do it manually, there is a mark on the date and time of the last backup, go to the OneDrive page to delete previously created copies. Windows 10 Mobile users are probably familiar with this tool: it migrated to desktops from smartphones.

In build 14271 section System updated with a new subsection Task bar(Taskbar), where all the taskbar settings have migrated. However, so far they are only duplicated and the classic window is still called from the context menu of the taskbar, which has not seriously changed for many years.

In turn, he Accounts → Email and Accounts is now divided into two separate sections: one contains information about your account and the necessary links to change it, and the other contains tools for managing email accounts and applications.

In principle, a completely logical solution, if only the developers do not overdo it with the division of sections, otherwise it will only complicate the search for new options.

If you also found something new in the latest builds of Windows 10 or Windows 10 Mobile, feel free to share your findings with other members of the community in the comments below.