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Before Microsoft launches new Windows features, it relies on users to test them through its free Insider program. You install preview builds of Windows before they're released to the general public, so you're among the first to try out the latest features and share your feedback.
With Windows 11 being the only supported version at this point, the Insider program offers different channels that you can join. In the past, Microsoft provided four channels—Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview —with Canary as the most experimental.
However, that arrangement seemed unnecessarily complicated and confusing, prompting Microsoft to simplify the program. With the latest preview updates, Microsoft has pared the build choices down to two—Experimental and Beta.
The Experimental channel gives you access to early features still being developed, while the Beta channel contains features and fixes that are closer to going public. If you want to test out new and evolving features, go for the Experimental channel. If you’d prefer to check out a build that’s more stable and less likely to change, try the Beta channel. Here's how to get started.
Set Up a Test Environment
Whichever channel you choose, be careful where you install the build. Even the more stable build is still a beta version of the OS, so you may not want to wipe out your current working Windows environment to install it. Instead, you should run your insider build on a spare PC, within a dual-boot environment, or on a virtual machine.
I use the free programs VMware Workstation Pro and Oracle VM VirtualBox for test builds. The former even includes a TPM setting you can enable to support the latest version of Windows.
Join the Windows Insider Program
To join the Windows Insider program, you first need a Microsoft account. If you don’t already have one, browse to the Microsoft Account page, click Create a Microsoft account, and follow the steps to proceed. Once you have an account, jump to the Windows Insider page. Make sure you’re signed in with your account, click the Join Windows Insider button, and then follow the steps to register for the program.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Download and Install Windows 11
To create a test environment for your insider build of Windows 11, you’ll need a copy of the operating system and a license to run it. If you’re already running Windows on a spare PC or in a virtual environment, you can simply update that version with the insider build. If not, then you’ll have to download and install Windows 11 separately. For that, you have two options.
Browse to Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page. To install Windows on a spare PC using a bootable USB or DVD, go to the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section and click the Download Now button. This process then downloads Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, which you can use to create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If instead you want an ISO file that you can install directly in a virtual machine or copy to a USB or DVD, go to the section for Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices. Click the Select Download drop-down menu, select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices), and then click Confirm. Choose your product language and click Confirm. Then click the 64-bit Download button to download the ISO file. This is the option I always use, as I want the ISO file available to install in a VM whenever I need it.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If you’re not already running Windows 11 in your test environment, install it from the USB, DVD, or ISO file and follow the usual steps to set it up. Make sure the installation is activated with a product key or virtual license associated with your account.
Set Up the Insider Program in Windows 11
Launch Windows on your test computer or environment. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)You may receive a notification telling you that you need to turn on optional diagnostic data. If you see this message, click the Open Diagnostics & feedback link and then click the button to turn on the diagnostic setting.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Return to the Windows Insider screen and click Get Started. Pick the account that you want to link to the Insiders program. In Windows 11, the next screen prompts you to choose the channel.
If Windows isn’t running the latest updates, you may still see the four traditional channels—Canary, Dev, Beta, or Release Preview. Select the one you want to use and click Continue. Review the agreement and then click Restart Now to reboot your PC.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If Windows is up to date, you should see the two new channel choices—Experimental and Beta. Each channel includes a brief description. Choose the channel you want to use. Follow the required steps and then reboot your PC when prompted.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Install the Preview Build in Windows 11
Once you're back in Windows, you’ll want to download the latest updates for the insider build you chose. Head to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. You should see the latest Insider Preview updates for the channel you selected.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Allow the updates to download and install. Then click the Restart Now button to reboot your computer. When you log back into Windows, the OS will be running your chosen build. You can then use and test the new features and settings as you like.
You can also change your channel at any time, with conditions. With the older four-channel setup, you could switch between channels. But if the two builds were completely different, Windows might have to be reinstalled from scratch.
The new setup is easier. If you were previously on the Dev channel, you’ll now be on the Experimental channel. If you were on the Beta channel previously, you’re now in the new Beta channel. If you want to switch, head to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. You should see the new two-channel setup, which lets you switch between them.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Share Feedback With Microsoft
After you’ve worked with your Windows Insider build for a while, you may want to share your feedback with Microsoft on what you like, what you don’t like, and what you want to see changed. First, go back to the Windows Insider web page and click the Understand feedback link to learn more about how, where, and why to give feedback.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)When you’re ready to share your comment, click the Start button and choose Feedback Hub from the Apps list. At the Feedback Hub, sign in with your Insider account.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)You can read posts from Microsoft and give feedback on your Windows experience. Click the Feedback category to view feedback from other Windows insiders. Type a specific word or term in the Search field, such as “start menu” to find feedback just on that topic. If you agree with a specific piece of feedback, click the Upvote icon to share your approval.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)You can chime in on an existing piece of feedback by clicking the Add comment link. Type your comment and then click Post comment to publish.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)To give your own feedback, click Give new feedback. Type your feedback and then click Next. Choose a category and subcategory for your feedback. Click Next and then Next again. When done, click Submit and close the Feedback Hub.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Remove Your Device From the Windows Insider Program
If you no longer want your Windows PC or environment to be part of the Windows Insider Program, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. Turn on the Unenroll Device switch. Then head to Windows Settings and download the latest updates. Reboot and check the Windows Insider Program settings as well as the Windows Update settings to confirm that your device is no longer receiving the insider builds. Removing your device from the program doesn't remove your account, so you'll still be registered if you wish to try it again in the future.
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