PSA: Microsoft’s new Windows Insider channels are now rolling out

2 min. read

Published on June 29, 2020

published on June 29, 2020

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Microsoft has just announced that the switch over to “channels” in the Windows Insider program is now rolling out. According to Microsoft, the change in Windows Insider settings will take effect over the next few hours. There is no action required on your part, as the new “channels” are mainly just a renaming of the existing branches of the Windows Insider program.

Hey Folks – Channels have arrived! Expect the changes to land in your #WindowsInsider settings over the next few hours. Remember, we've done the mapping for you, so there's no direct change you need to make. Check out blog for details! ^AL https://t.co/auc8wvrxRy

— Windows Insider (@windowsinsider) June 29, 2020

As a reminder, the Insider Program now has three different “channels.” These lineup with the rest of Microsoft’s products, and include Dev, Beta, and Release Preview.

The Dev Channel is for highly technical users and will get you the latest builds earliest in the development cycle with the newest code. It’s what used to the Fast and Skip Ahead Rings. The Beta Channel, meanwhile, is for early adopters. Builds from this channel are tied to a specific upcoming Windows 10 release and are reliable updates validated by Microsoft. This is what used to the the Slow ring.

Finally, there is the Release Preview Channel. This channel is for those who want the most stable Windows 10 experience. You’ll still have access to the upcoming release of Windows 10, but at a slower pace, and only before it is ready to be released to the world. This used to the Release Preview Ring.

Be sure to keep an eye on your Windows Insider settings today and let us know if you’ve gotten the switch over to these new Channels by dropping us a comment below.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.