Microsoft invites Insiders to test Windows 10 S builds

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
last updated

Microsoft is asking Windows Insiders to help test new builds for Windows 10 S.

Windows 10 Cloud Wallpaper
Windows 10 Cloud Wallpaper (Image credit: Microsoft)

Alongside the release of a new Fast ring Windows 10 build for Insiders today, Microsoft also officially called on Insiders to help test new builds for Windows 10 S. As detailed by Windows Insider chief Dona Sarkar in the latest build notes, Insiders can install Windows 10 S and opt in for testing new builds.

Says Sarkar:

Windows 10 S brings the experiences Windows users know and love, streamlined for security and performance. By exclusively using apps in the Windows Store and ensuring that you browse safely with Microsoft Edge and keeps you running fast and secure. It is ideal for people who have everything they need in the Windows Store and prefer the peace of mind of secure and verified Windows Store applications. Windows Insiders can try Windows 10 S on their PCs and join the Windows Insider Program via Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program to receive Insider Preview builds for Windows 10 S just as they would on other editions of Windows 10.

Microsoft has gradually opened Windows 10 S up for testers since its initial debut. Prior to this, developers and school IT administrators could install Windows 10 S on their existing hardware with a convenient installer. Insiders can also use a simple installer (opens in new tab) to set up a clean install of Windows 10 S.

Do note that this will only work with machines that are already running Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise editions. Keep in mind that this will wipe your current install, but you'll be able to opt into receiving Insider builds once Windows 10 S is installed.

Updated August 23, 2017: As we've written before, Windows 10 S and the Surface Laptop could already opt in for Insider testing before this. Microsoft's latest notes provide access to a convenient installer while calling on Insiders to jump in and test Windows 10 S on their machines.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

9 Comments
  • Can you dual boot windows 10 and windows 10s?
  • On a separate partition, I would imagine yes. Probably want to try it on a separate drive, though. IDK🤷🏽
  • Don't install it! Why do you wanna support Windows Rt versio 3?
  • because some people don't need Windows Pro/home or higher
  • wrong fanboy! I have not seen anyone complain so far about having win32 access. But I have seen most complain about the pathetic app store. So a big NO to Microsoon...
  • Yes you have! For the past 61 years of operating systems, you've never once heard a single person state they've had to reinstall an operating system or reset their phone? Nearly 99% of terminal PC problems are related to bad software and having sand boxed applications is the most logical way to eliminate that. AND if you audit most office requirements, a significant amount of users no longer need Win32 software.
  • No thx. I Iove my win32 programs. Tyvm.
  • so now they are asking users to stay on a crippled locked down OS just to be their guinea pigs :)) PATHETIC!!
  • Just say no.  Send a message to microsoft to hire their own testers in house again.   Instead of using free beta testing in the form of suckers....i mean insiders!  I do not share the same views as some others in thinking the 10S program is RT or anything.  BUT I do think the insders program is a farce and a way for MS to trim workers and payroll at the expense of faster and better releases.