Windows Insider programs allow anyone to get a draft on their computer. This is a practice that Microsoft has followed for the past few years, so that developers, OEMs can test the next version, and if there are comments, it can be returned. The ultimate goal is to be ready when the Feare update becomes available to consumers. That said, although the consumer version of Insider Preview is well known, the Windows Insider Preview Program is also available for Business and Windows Server.
Honestly, I was surprised that the programs exist, especially for professional users. Although they do not wish to take the risk of installing on their main computers, there must be a great reason to set up resources to find compatibility issues.
Windows Insider for Business Program
Companies that create software or need to determine if their applications will work with the next version usually opt for this program. They should make sure that if they update, everything works as it did before the upgrade. The program offers to deploy Insider Preview versions in your organization using Group Policy, InTune or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. This option requires an Azure AD domain, which must be registered in the Windows Insider program. You can use it to validate your applications and your infrastructure before their release.
You can also try Windows Insider Preview on a Hyper-V machine using Work ID. This is probably the safest way to test business applications and the behavior of existing applications with the next version of Windows.
To get it on the computer, you can follow the same method as the Consumer Preview Program, but you will need to register using a business account. It is possible to suspend Windows updates when necessary, and even to quit the Windows Insider program once the stable version has arrived.
Windows Insider Server Program
If you are running Windows Server for your internal infrastructure or your clients, the Server program is advantageous. You can allow customers to test and give feedback. Alternatively, you can test yourself and keep the rest of the people informed about it.
The server program involves registering a personal or business account with Microsoft to download the version. In the server version, you have corresponding debugging symbols. In addition, versions are made available for download and installation at your discretion.
If you want to know more about all these programs, consult the official documentation of the Windows Insider program at Microsoft website. You’ll also have access to the community, the comment center, and more when setting up Insider for computers.
Related readings:
- How to join or exit the Windows Insider program
- How to join the OneDrive Insider preview program
- How to Register for the Office Insider Fast Level Program
- How to join Microsoft’s Early App Preview program
- How to join Xbox Insider Program
- How to join Skype Insiders Program
- How to join the Microsoft Edge Insider program
- Windows Insider Program for IT Professionals and Businesses.
