Want to try in preview the versions of Windows which are not yet officially deployed? Just join Microsoft’s Windows Insider program. It’s simple and free.
Are you looking forward to discovering the advances and new Windows functions? In particular, the approach of Windows 11, the new operating system for PC whose release is scheduled for the end of the year. It is quite possible, easily, free of charge and, above all, legally, without having to look for confidential preversions on obscure websites, thanks to Windows Insider, an official test system offered by Microsoft. The opportunity to go behind the scenes and test Windows 11 in preview …
What is Windows Insider?
Since the first steps of Windows 10, in 2015, the publisher set up a test program called Windows Insider, allowing to freely test the versions of Windows under development before the final milling is made public. Notable detail, Windows Insider is free and open to all those who have a Windows 10 PC. The goal sought by Microsoft is to test with a very wide range of machines, advances in its operating system. “Testers” users can bring him back the bugs and dysfunctions encountered on their equipment to participate in their correction and contribute to the improvement of Windows. In return, it will of course have to accept that the system communicates a good number of telemetric data on the use of the PC.
The Windows Insider program is available in three categories, called channels, allowing each tester to take more or less risk by installing new versions of Windows. THE Canal is the most exciting but also the most risky. The builds (system versions) are published in their least successful state. This channel is above all intended for developers anxious to check the compatibility of an application, a material component or a device, but also to those who want to discover the new characteristics of Windows above all. The risk of meeting bugs is the highest and the stability of the system fairly low. THE Beta channel As for him, supplied more stable system builds, but not devoid of bugs. Finally, the last channel, Pre -evidenceprovides the versions of the system in the last phase of its development before they are offered to download for all users. The number of bugs is more limited, but there can always be. Obviously, each channel adopts a different update rhythm. The builds are linked rather quickly in the DEV channel and are rarer in the preversion channel.
Attention ! If you want to test the next Windows versions, don’t do it on the PC you use on a daily basis. These are indeed dirts under development with sometimes very relative stability. Better to use a PC that serves you occasionally or, if you do not have it, operate a virtual machine. Using virtualization software like VMware Workstation Player Or Virtualbox D’Oracle, both free, you can install another system on your usual PC (Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 or 11, Linux, Chromeos, etc.) which will run in the software without disturbing the operation of the system installed on your PC.
Finally, be aware that registration in the Windows Insider program is not irreversible. You can leave the program at any time, stop receiving Windows Preversions and returning to a stable version of the system … at the cost of reinstalling certain apps. You will find your files but it is always preferable to proceed before a backup. Read for this our practical sheet Make automatic backups on disk or USB key with a PC.
The procedure to register is rather simple and is carried out directly from Windows. To access it, just have a Windows 10 PC, a Microsoft account and an Internet connection.
- Access the Windows 10 setting by pressing the keyboard shortcut Win + I. In the window that appears, choose Update and security.
- On the page that appears, click at the bottom of the left pane on Windows Insider program. Then click on the button To start.
- Then click on Register Then once again on Register.
- Also validate the conditions of use. Indicate the Microsoft account which will be associated with the Windows Insider program (the same used for your Windows session) and validate.
- You are then invited to choose the Windows Prévans Diffusion Channel. If you want to try Windows 11, opt for the Canal. Windows 11 beta versions are not yet available in the Insider program.
- Confirm your choice, then click on Restart.
- When your PC has restarted, access parameters again Update and security > Windows Insider program. You can see here that your registration for the program is effective. It is also on this page that you can change the broadcast channel if you wish.
- Click on Windows Updateat the top of the left shutter, then on the button Search for updates. Normally, Windows 11 should be offered. You can download it and install it like any other Windows update.
The Windows version you have installed thanks to the Windows Insider program is really too unstable? Do your applications not work properly? Fortunately, you can get back and return to the Windows molding you use before registering for the Microsoft test program.
- Access the settings Windows Update > Windows Insider program.
- Unroll the section Stop receiving the evaluation versions. Click on the link Leave the Insider program.
- Immediately a default web browser window opens and displays a unsubscribe page. Click on The silhouette icon At the top right to connect with your account.
- Once connected, click the button Leave the Program Now then on Stop Receiving Insider Preview Builds.
- Access the settings again Windows Update and click on Advanced options. In the section Additional options from the page that appears, choose Recovery.
- Among the options offered, click the button Go back option Previous version of Windows.
- Choose one of the reasons that lead you to go back and click on Following.
- Click on No thanks so as not to seek possible updates.
- Windows then warns you that you will need to reinstall applications and adjust a few settings. Click on Following Then once again on Following and finally on Go to an earlier build.
- The PC restarts and reinstalls the previous version of Windows.