In recent years, Microsoft has set up a large number of programs for testing pre-release versions of its products and services: Interested users who are keen to experiment have the opportunity to test the latest functions exclusively in advance and provide feedback. Each program is structured differently, but is based on the same principle: Microsoft strives to develop closer to the customer. This article provides an overview of all programs as well as the associated requirements, career opportunities and benefits.
Overview
History
Technology and the interrelationships in today's world are becoming increasingly complex - and Microsoft is no exception. This is why the decision was made in the USA to introduce voluntary Involving users in product development and has built up a broad portfolio of programs in recent years. The programs not only have the character of an additional Quality assurance by the end userbut also offer various possibilities for Influencing product development. Due to the exclusive content and functions, the programs for the various products and services are Insider programs called. This can always be free of charge can be joined and left.
Structure
The Insider programs can be divided into different categories divide up: For example, there is the Windows Insider Program for Windows 10 as platform/operating system and the Office Insider Program for the corresponding product (cross-platform). There are also preview versions of individual apps for Windows 10, Android and iOS. This article will be continued in the same way. In addition, some Insider programs offer so-called Rings (gradations of risk) for the pre-release versions.
Operating systems & platforms
These insider programs relate to the operating system or platform - for Microsoft, this is Windows 10 and the Xbox equivalent based on it.
Windows Insider Program
The Windows Insider Program is probably the best-known program for testing pre-release versions of the various versions of Windows 10. The program was created as part of the development of Windows 10. The bad press and feedback about the new design language of Windows 8 made the US company rethink, so that development has since been closer than ever to the end customer. I have summarized some of the advantages of a #WINsider in a separate Article summarized.
How do I take part?
Take a look at our own Article about the Windows Insider Program to.
What rings are available?
Take a look at our own Article about the Windows Insider Program to.
How do I resign?
An exit can be made in the Windows 10 settings under the item Updates & Security and following Windows Insider Program can be made. However, as not just one app but an entire base has been modified, it is not possible to revert to stable versions. There are three different ways:
- Wait until the regular following Windows version has caught up with the Insider version and obtain the stable version via Windows Update
- New installation of Windows 10
- Revert to the previous Windows version (only works if you have not yet carried out a major Windows 10 update on the respective computer within the Insider membership)
Windows Insider Program for Business
Windows Insider Program for Business / also called Microsoft 365 Insider
How do I take part?
All information about this program can be found here.
How do I resign?
All information about this program can be found here.
Xbox Insider Program
The Xbox Insider Program is an 18+ program and - unlike all other programs - is very performance-oriented. By moving up to new rings, you are promised more testing opportunities and even more exclusive access.
How do I take part?
The Xbox Insider Hub can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store on the Xbox. This is where you can access the program. You can find an overview of the Insider Program here.
What rings are available?
There are the rings Omega (open to everyone), Delta (possibility of ascent), Beta (possibility of ascent) and Alpha (possibility to level up). The higher the rings, the more updates you receive per month. To move up, certain criteria are necessary, such as active participation in the feedback hub and professional testing of new functions.
How do I resign?
Like the entry, the exit also works via the Xbox Insider Hub.
Products
The following Insider programs are cross-platform. Once you have joined, you can enjoy the benefits across all platforms.
Bing Insider Program
The Bing Insider Program is currently a US-exclusive program that provides a direct line to the Bing teams.
How do I take part?
The Bing Insider Program is currently only available in the USA. Here you will find information about this.
How do I resign?
On the official website you can leave the Bing Insider Program.
Edge Insider Program
Shortly after announcing that it would replace the custom-developed engine in Microsoft Edge with the popular Chromium engine, Microsoft announced the Edge Insider Program to.
How do I take part?
About the dedicated page to the Microsoft Edge Insider Program you can participate.
What channels are there?
There is the Beta Channel (every six weeks), the Dev Channel (weekly) and the Canary Channel (daily).
How do I resign?
At present, there are only insider versions and not yet an officially released version for a production system. It is therefore not possible to withdraw.
Microsoft Flight Insider Program
With the Microsoft Flight Insider Program Microsoft provides ambitious hobby pilots with a early access to a new world of simulation. Register now to give feedback together with the community and create something new.
How do I take part?
Here you can register for the Insider Program.
How do I resign?
This information is not yet known, as the Insider Program has not yet been launched. Only the registration is already available.
Office Insider Program
The Office Insider Program can only be activated and used if you have an Office 365 subscription.
How do I take part?
To do this, start a locally installed Office 365 application and click on File > Account. Under the item Office Insider you can now select the ring you want.
What rings are available?
Two different rings are available:
- The Insider ring is comparable to the Fast Ring of the Windows Insider Program: You will receive updates with new functions approximately every week, although some of these may be experimental and buggy.
- The selection Monthly (targeted) is comparable to the release preview ring of the Windows Insider Program and contains completed and already tested innovations, which are usually published once a month (a few days later).
How do I resign?
This is similar to the Windows Insider Program: Either you wait until the regular updates have "caught up" with your pre-release version. Alternatively, you can reinstall Microsoft Office. Reverting to a previous version is not offered.
Skype Insider Program
How do I take part?
The various options can be selected on the official insider website can be viewed.
How do I resign?
The various options can be selected on the official insider website can be viewed.
Visual Studio Code Insider Program
Visual Studio Code Insider Program
How do I take part?
The insider versions can be here can be downloaded.
How do I resign?
You can exit by simply uninstalling an Insider version.
Windows apps
Some Windows-exclusive apps have the option of obtaining preview versions. The setting options can be found in the individual apps.
The following list shows the Windows apps from Microsoft with the option of activating preview versions and deactivating them in the same place if required:
- Photos
- OneDrive
At this point, it should be added that the preview versions can also be linked to the rings in the Windows Insider Program.
Android apps
Content coming soon 🙂
iOS apps
Content coming soon 🙂
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