Understanding New Windows 10 Insiders Channels: Dev, Beta and Release Preview
SUMMARY: Previous Windows 10 Insiders channels or rings (i.e. Fast Ring & Skip Ahead, Slow Ring and Release Preview Ring) have been renamed or changed to Dev Channel, Beta Channel and Release Preview Channel respectively.
We know that Microsoft regularly releases testing preview builds of Windows 10 operating system to public. These testing builds are known as Windows 10 Insider Preview builds (previously known as Technical Preview builds). These builds are released for testing purposes so that users can test drive them and provide their feedback and suggestions to Microsoft. It helps Microsoft in improving Windows 10 operating system. Once a preview build is finalized, it’s released as a new version or feature update for Windows 10 to public.
More Info: New Windows 10 Insider Preview Build Available for Download
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For users convenience, Microsoft created different channels/rings/branches/flights which could be subscribed or joined to receive different types of preview builds of Windows 10. There were 3 types of channels or rings: Fast & Skip Ahead, Slow and Release Preview.
More Info: Understanding Windows 10 Insider Preview Rings and Channels
Fast & Skip Ahead Ring was the most advanced ring or channel. Only experts and advanced users were suggested to join this ring as the preview builds released to these rings were under earlier development and testing phase. They might contain bugs and issues. People who wanted to test drive latest features and changes which will become part of future Windows 10 versions, were advised to join these rings.
Slow Ring provided more polished preview builds which were more stable and received updates validated by Microsoft.
Release Preview Ring provided the most stable and reliable builds of Windows 10. Users who didn’t want to take any risk and wanted stable preview builds of Windows 10 which can be used on primary machines, could join this ring.
But recently these rings became confusing as Microsoft started releasing several preview builds of Windows 10 to these rings. Users were confused which ring they should choose.
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To overcome this issue, Microsoft has now renamed or changed these rings. The new channels naming is more understandable and provides clear idea about the channels.
The new Windows 10 Insider channels are as following:
- Dev Channel (or Developer Channel)
- Beta Channel
- Release Preview Channel
Dev Channel will provide preview builds which are earliest in development. These builds will contain the latest features and changes implemented by developer team. These builds will not match any specific upcoming Windows 10 version. Features and changes present in these builds might become a part of any future Windows 10 release.
Beta Channel will provide more stable builds. The builds released to this channel will be tied to a specific upcoming release of Windows 10. Users will face less bugs and issues in these builds.
Release Preview Channel will provide preview builds which will be released as the next version of Windows 10 in coming days. These builds will be reliable, stable and can be used on primary machines.
Following points and graphics will help you understanding the transition of Insider channels:
- Fast & Skip Ahead ring => Dev Channel
- Slow ring => Beta Channel
- Release Preview ring => Release Preview Channel
If you noticed, the new naming scheme matches with the release channels of new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge web browser.
If you are already a Windows Insider and part of an existing Insider ring, you’ll be automatically moved to new corresponding Insider channel later this month.
For example, if you are subscribed to Fast & Skip Ahead ring, you’ll be moved to Dev Channel. If you are subscribed to Slow ring, you’ll be moved to Beta Channel. If you are subscribed to Release Preview ring, you’ll be moved to Release Preview Channel.
If you want to change your Insider channel or ring, you can do it by opening Windows 10 Settings app and going to Update & Security -> Windows Insider Program section.
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Thanks VG. You made it very clear.
I was waiting for your detailed guide. As usual very clear and understandable. Thank you.
Thank you.
New channels are more understandable than the old ones.