Windows Central Insider
As part of its commitment to fix Windows 11's pain points, Microsoft is rebuilding the Windows Insider Program to make it easier to understand and allow users to test new features and improvements.
This overhaul to the program simplifies the number of channels and lets you turn experimental features on demand without needing third-party tools like popular ViveTool.
Windows Insider Program new structure
Microsoft started this overhaul by rethinking the channels and building new feature flag controls inside the Settings app.
For example, instead of multiple overlapping channels, such as Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, you now have two main tracks, including "Experimental" and "Beta."
One thing to point out here is that the "Release Preview" is still a track, but it's hidden by default. You must enable it manually before it's available.
On the Windows Insider Program page, you'll also find the "Advanced Options" section that you'll have to use to select the version of the operating system you want to test. For instance, version 25H2 and 26H1, but there's a new "Feature Platforms" version that replaces the "Dev" version.
The Feature Platforms version includes the most experimental changes that are not tied to any specific release of the operating system.
Finally, Microsoft is also adding a new "Feature Flags" page, which is a big deal because it's a new experience that lets you manage experimental features without resorting to the ViveTool.
New Insider experiences breakdown
First, the company is cutting the number of channels from four to three, including Experimental, Beta, and Release Preview.
Experimental track
The Experimental experience replaces the Canary and Dev Channels from the legacy structure. This experience includes the latest features and improvements. However, previews in the track will be heavily unstable, and you'll run into issues.
One of the biggest advantages of this experience is that you can turn experimental features on or off from the "Feature flags" page. However, this applies only to features officially announced by the company.
If a specific build includes other features that aren't ready for preview, you'll have to use the ViveTool if they're found.
Enrolling in this experience:
Once you have your computer enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, from Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, you'll have to choose the "Experimental" option under the "Select your experience" setting.
After selecting the experience, open the "Advanced Options" setting and choose the version of the operating system you wish to test. Currently, you can choose from version 25H2, 26H1, and Feature Platforms.
Once you have selected the experience and version of the operating system, check for updates on the "Windows Update" page, then download and install the latest preview build.
I want to be clear that Microsoft is still in the process of switching existing users from the old to the new structure. While writing this guide, the computer enrollment was the same as before. However, it's expected that steps will change in the future.
Changing tracks:
If you want to switch from the Experimental to the Beta experience, you can now do so with an in-place upgrade that preserves your files.
To change channels, from Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, choose the "Beta" option from the "Select your experience" setting. If you also want to change the Windows version, in the "Advanced Options" settings, select the version to test.
Once you complete the steps, an in-place upgrade will occur to switch experiences.
While you can switch between experiences without performing a clean installation of Windows 11, you'll have to perform a fresh installation if you want to use the Feature Platforms version, as this doesn't align with the current platform of the operating system.
Beta track
The Beta experience is almost identical to the Beta Channel from the old structure. However, the most noticeable difference is that all the advertised features through the Microsoft official support website will be enabled by default.
In other words, in this experience, the company is eliminating the Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) approach, and you won't have to use the "Feature flags" page, nor will you have to resort to third-party tools to enable hidden improvements.
Of course, the set of features in Beta will be mostly different from those in Experimental.
Enrolling in this experience:
Once you have your computer enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, from Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, you'll have to choose the "Beta" option under the "Select your experience" setting.
After selecting the track, open the "Advanced Options" setting and choose the version of the operating system you wish to test. Currently, you can choose from version 25H2, 26H1, and Feature Platforms.
Once you have selected the experience and version, check for updates to download and install the latest preview build.
Changing tracks:
If you want to switch from the Beta to the Experimental experience, you can now do so with an in-place upgrade that preserves your files.
To change channels, from Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, choose the "Beta" option from the "Select your experience" setting. If you also want to change the Windows version, in the "Advanced Options" settings, select the version to test.
Once you complete the steps, an in-place upgrade will occur to switch experiences.
It's important to remember that a clean installation will only be required if you want to use the Feature Platforms version, as it doesn't align with the operating system's current platform.
Release Preview track
Finally, you'll also find the Release Preview experience, and similar to the legacy Release Preview Channel, in this track, you'll receive nearly finished builds of the operating system.
However, the experience doesn't appear by default. You'll have to surface it using the "Advanced Options" settings.
Enrolling in this experience:
Once you have your computer enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, from Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, you'll have to open "Advanced Options," turn on the "Show Release Preview" toggle switch, and then select the "Release Preview" option under the "Select your experience" setting.
After selecting the track, open the "Advanced Options" setting and choose the version of the operating system you wish to test.
Once you have selected the experience and version, check for updates to download and install the latest preview build.
Enable experimental features
If you enroll your device in the Experimental experience, you can enable experimental features that aren't already available in your installation without resorting to third-party tools like ViveTool.
To enable experimental features on Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Feature flags, select the "Enabled" option for each of the available flags you want to enable, click the "Apply Changes" button, and then click the "Restart now" button.
Unenroll from the Insider Program
If you no longer want to remain in the Windows Insider Program, you can now unenroll while preserving your apps, settings, and files.
The process is straightforward. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and turn on the "Unenroll Device" toggle switch.
This step will trigger an in-place upgrade preserving your files, apps, and settings.
Switching existing Insiders
Although the new Windows Insider Program changes are available, Microsoft is in a transition phase and is gradually automatically switching users to the equivalent tracks.
First, devices already enrolled in the program will be switched to either the Beta or Experimental experience. However, this process won't change the operating system version, usually found in the "Advanced Options" settings.
- Devices in the Dev Channel will transition to the Experimental experience for version 25H2.
- Devices in the Canary Channel running 28000-series builds will move to the Experimental track for version 26H1.
- Devices in the Canary Channel running 25900-series builds will transition to the Experimental track for the Feature Platform version.
Windows Central's Take
I like where the program is going. The old Insider structure had become confusing, so simplifying the program was long overdue. However, the real win here is the built-in feature flags. One of the main reasons to join the Insider Program is early access to new features, and it's been frustrating to install a preview only to find those features locked behind limited rollouts.
This change finally makes that experience more consistent and predictable.
That said, I'd still be cautious with the Experimental track. The name is accurate, and from experience, these builds can break things in ways that aren't worth the risk on a primary computer. For most people, Beta remains the safer and more practical choice.
Overall, this feels like Microsoft cleaning up its own complexity. It's a simpler system, but the trade-offs of testing early builds haven't really changed.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
