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The next step in Microsoft's bid to improve its desktop OS is a major change to the Windows Insider Program, which gives enthusiasts early access to the latest software builds.
Going forward, you'll be able to switch in and out of the Insider Program without reinstalling your computer's entire operating system. Previously, leaving the program or switching to a different version of the OS meant wiping your device and doing a clean install of Windows. Soon, that won't be necessary; Microsoft says it'll take a bit longer to install each update, but it'll migrate your data, settings, and other tools, likely saving you time overall.
Microsoft is also radically changing its Insider Program options, moving from four primary channels to two, which are now simply called Beta and Experimental.
Beta will cover imminent updates, and Microsoft is ditching gradual feature rollouts, meaning you'll get access to new tools as soon as they're announced.
Experimental is the more future-facing option, and it replaces the Dev and Canary channels. You’ll get access to features earlier than Beta, but it comes with an acknowledgment that what you’re testing is in active development and may “change, get delayed, or not ship at all."
If you want the absolute earliest access, opt in to the Future Platforms option in the Experimental channel. "This is aimed at users who are looking to be at the forefront of platform development. Insiders looking for the earliest access to features should remain on a version aligned to a retail build," Microsoft says.
A page in settings will also better highlight new features. “We will start by enabling Feature flags for visible new features announced in WIP. This means less visible changes announced in WIP, like bug fixes and system improvements, may not be present in Feature flags," Microsoft says.
All of these changes are rolling out in “the coming weeks.” If you’re a current Windows Insider, you’ll move to the version that's most similar version to what you're on now.
Those on Beta Channel automatically move to Beta, while those on Dev or Canary Channels move to Experimental. If you are on the Canary Channel 29500 series, you'll move to Experimental (Future Platforms); Canary Channel 28000 will move to Experimental (26H1).
These changes were first teased by Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Devices, in a blog post in late March. He also spoke about how Microsoft would reduce "unnecessary Copilot entry points," which began happening this week in the latest versions of Notepad and Snipping Tool.