Windows 10 Earliest Code Testers Move to Dev Channel

Microsoft confirmed that the restructuring of the Windows Insider Program is already underway, with Windows 10 insider rings changing to channels.

While the improvements are currently rolling out, insiders don’t have to do anything to get started on their fresh beta testing platforms. Microsoft has got everything mapped so that testers may continue accessing their insider accounts as if nothing has changed.

Windows 10 Fast ring insiders shift to Dev Channel

Exactly two weeks ago, Microsoft announced that it would overhaul the Windows Insider Program with a focus on quality improvements. The company has now revealed that the changes are rolling out over the next few days.

Today, we have begun rolling out the Channels naming to the Windows Insider Program Settings page under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. The rollout will happen over the course of the next few days.

As a result of the restructuring, insider rings have changed as follows:

• Fast ring to Dev Channel: Earliest code testers, usually the tech-savvy ones, will now be using the Dev Channel. Right now, this Channel hosts Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20150.
• Slow ring to Beta Channel: This is for early adopters comfortable working with more stable versions of Windows 10 that are still a work in progress.
• Release Preview ring to Release Preview Channel: Sign up here for early access to upcoming Windows releases prior to general deployment. Products at this stage have no substantial rough edges.

Previously, choosing a specific insider ring determined the frequency with which you’d be receiving prerelease Windows builds. That is no longer the case with the new insider Channels.

Apart from that, Microsoft announced that it would eventually align the new insider Channels with Office Channels.

If you’re an insider, have you seen the new channels yet? Feel free to let us know or ask any question via the comments section below.