Skip to main content

Microsoft expands Insider rings with new ‘release preview’ builds

windows release preview ring 10 eco system
Image used with permission by copyright holder
One of the biggest pushes Microsoft has made with the release of Windows 10 is for customer engagement. It has consistently extended the Windows Insider program to allow its user base to test out new features and now the firm is looking to expand that again with a new “release preview” ring.

Previously the two main components of the Windows Insider program were the fast ring and the slow ring. The first of these would receive updates more regularly, but in a less tested state, whereas the latter would gain access after a few more bugs were worked out.

Knowing that there are still people who would like to be part of the process, but who consider the slow ring a little too raw for them, Microsoft has now created a third ring, known as “release preview,” which will essentially give that expanded ring a look at new features just a short while before they are made available to the public.

Related: How to join the Windows 10 Insider fast ring (and why you want to)

“Best for Insiders who enjoy getting early access to updates for the Current Branch, Microsoft applications, and drivers, with minimal risk to their devices, and still want to provide feedback to make Windows devices great,” reads Microsoft’s statement concerning its new Insider ring. 

However it won’t just be a case that the “release preview” builds are a slower slow ring, they also get access to updates that the others don’t. Due to the more complete nature of this Insider ring, those that are part of it will also be able to test out new driver updates and app updates (as per WinBeta), which might make it more attractive than the other two rings for those still sitting on the Insider fence.

If you’re not a member of the Windows Insider team currently, does this new ring sound more enticing to you?

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
Even Microsoft is running an unsupported Windows 11 PC
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

Windows 11 brings tons of great features to play with, but there is no hiding the fact that the operating system left a lot of PCs in the dust with its controversial minimum system requirements. That's caused folks to find ways to run Windows on unsupported systems, and it looks as though one of Microsoft's employees has done the same, too.

In a recent Windows Insider Webcast, Microsoft employee Claton Hendricks was sharing his screen to showcase some of the features that the company is working on for Windows 11 builds. In particular, Hendricks showcased new color options for the utilization area in Task Manager, but when toggling to the CPU information pane, an interesting Intel processor appeared listed in the right-hand pane of the redesigned app.

Read more
Latest Windows 11 update improves taskbar on tablets
Woman using the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 in tablet mode.

Microsoft's latest software preview of Windows 11 includes a feature that optimizes the taskbar for more efficient use on tablets and 2-in-1 devices.

The feature is currently available on the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22563, which was released to testers in the Dev Channel on Thursday.

Read more
Windows 11 update: New gestures, Start menu changes, and more
Surface Pro 8 tablet view with Windows 11 screen.

Microsoft has released a new preview of an upcoming update to Windows 11, and it showcases some great new features and changes that many will be excited about.

To be specific, this is Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22557, and testers in the Dev Channel will get access to the latest Windows 11 software, which includes new touch gestures, live captions, a new experience called 'Focus,' and much more.

Read more