Celebrating 10 Years of Windows Insider Program: Five Changes I Wish Microsoft Would Make

It’s astonishing to realize that a decade has passed since the launch of the Windows Insider Program. On September 30, 2014, Microsoft introduced this innovative approach to public Windows testing, inviting individuals to partake in the development journey, experiment with live preview builds, and share their feedback directly with the company. It seems like just yesterday, and today we commemorate its 10th anniversary.

Initially, the Windows Insider Program received significant acclaim, drawing in countless enthusiasts eager to explore early builds of Windows 10. The thrill of being able to contribute to “shaping the future of Windows”was palpable. Now, ten years later, that initial enthusiasm appears to have diminished, indicating that the program could benefit from some adjustments. Here are five recommendations for Microsoft to consider (buckle up for some constructive criticism).

1. Simplify the Process

A decade ago, participating in the Insider Program was quite straightforward: users had the Fast Ring for the latest, albeit less stable, updates, and the Slow Ring for more stable, albeit slower, releases. New features were typically rolled out in the Fast Ring before transitioning to the Slow Ring after a few weeks.

Today, however, we are faced with four distinct channels: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, which complicate things considerably. The system lacks a clear hierarchy, as new features sometimes debut in “lower”channels like Beta or even Release Preview, which are designed to be more refined and close to production status. How can we adequately test a feature if it first appears in the Beta Channel (previously the Slow Ring)?

A prime example is the “Account Manager”feature in the Start menu, which launched for Beta users despite being untested in the Canary and Dev channels, resulting in considerable dissatisfaction over its poor execution.

If you’re a Windows enthusiast eager to dive into the latest preview for Windows 11, good luck navigating the channels to find the right one for your interests. Some features appear in Beta but not in Dev, while others may be in Release Preview but absent from Beta, creating a puzzling scenario that seems illogical given the program’s structure and intentions.

2. Rethink Update Channels

The option to “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”within Windows Update settings comes off as one of the more bewildering aspects of the Windows Insider program.

In stable Windows versions, this toggle allows users to test non-critical updates (C-release) that include enhancements and new features. While it makes sense outside the Insider program, it’s out of place within it.

Currently, many Dev and Beta builds come with two separate changelogs: one for users with the toggle enabled and another for those who have it disabled, effectively splitting each channel into sub-channels. Why go to such lengths? As an enrolled user in the Dev Channel, I’ve already acknowledged the potential instability of pre-release software. Why does Microsoft feel the need to overly caution me with this convoluted setup?

It’s almost as if Microsoft believes there is a shortage of channels. Furthermore, the updates in these divided channels are often trivial, sparking frustration over such careful deliveries.

3. Embrace Gradual Rollouts

With over 1.5 billion devices globally exhibiting diverse configurations, deploying all features simultaneously is not feasible. A staggered feature rollout is a logical approach to prevent potential disruptions caused by new updates.

However, a preview environment shouldn’t adhere to such constraints. Features should first be released in unstable channels like Canary or Dev with the expectation of addressing any issues that emerge based on insider feedback. Then, they could move through to Beta and ultimately to Release Preview for further testing—reminiscent of the program’s earlier days.

It feels as though Microsoft has deviated from the core purpose of the Windows Insider program. With an overwhelming number of participants and open channels available, insiders are being treated like standard consumers with stable builds, resulting in controlled feature deployments and unnecessary complications. In contrast, the early days were characterized by an abundance of new features with fewer rollouts for mundane fixes.

4. Enhance Communication

As a Microsoft reporter, tracking the updates in release notes for the latest builds is part of my daily routine. Microsoft frequently revises changelogs to include information about new features, issues, and changes, demanding constant vigilance to relay relevant details to the audience. Unfortunately, these updates are often not effectively communicated; acknowledged bugs, significant concerns, feature rollbacks, and complete recalls can easily slip through the cracks unnoticed by insiders.

While Windows Insider product managers do occasionally inform users about newly documented features after other insiders have already discovered them, updates regarding bugs or other less exciting alterations are notably rare. For a program built around gathering user feedback for such a complex product, better communication from Microsoft regarding the latest builds is crucial, particularly considering the overly regulated rollouts. Why is it so difficult to send out a tweet whenever a changelog is updated to announce a new bug?

To be fair, Microsoft recently tweeted about a known bug in the latest Canary Channel, but such occurrences are so infrequent—especially for significant issues—that the concern stands valid.

Moreover, not every Windows user has an account on X. When a device is enrolled in the Insider program, it’s reasonable to expect Microsoft to send notifications regarding new builds, changelog modifications, bugs, and other relevant content.

5. Restore the Enthusiasm

Although I might have become cynical over the past decade, many share the sentiment that the initial excitement surrounding the Windows Insider program has faded.

In its early days, receiving a new build felt like an event—each release was packed with changes and improvements. Nowadays, with builds emerging almost daily (excluding the Canary Channel, which recently experienced an unusual month-long hiatus), it becomes difficult to muster enthusiasm for new releases, especially since minor changes often feel more like a game of chance. Why bother even trying?

Additionally, the in-depth technical discussions from Microsoft about major updates and platform enhancements have diminished significantly lately. The company’s celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary with merely two wallpapers seems rather underwhelming. Sure, the wallpapers are aesthetically pleasing, but is that really all there is to celebrate?

Microsoft has largely offloaded the responsibility of Windows testing onto its volunteer insiders. While I don’t expect financial compensation for their contributions, introducing small incentives or recognition could foster renewed interest and draw in more active participants. After all, this multi-trillion-dollar company likely has the means to provide modest rewards for dedicated insiders to reignite enthusiasm.

Do you recall when Microsoft issued Windows 7 Ultimate keys as gratitude for valuable feedback during its public testing phase? They can certainly do better than this.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the Windows Insider program? Do you believe it requires modifications? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Source