Windows Insider Programs for Business and Server

Windows Insider Programs allows anyone to get pre-release build on their computers. It’s a practice that Microsoft has followed for the past few years, so the developers, OEM’s can test the upcoming build, and if there is feedback, it can be passed back. The ultimate goal is to be ready when the Feare Update is available for consumers. That said, while 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 Business users. While they may not want to take the risk to install on their primary computers, but then there has to be a big reason for putting up resources to find compatibility issues.

Windows Insider Program for Business

Businesses who either build software or need to figure out if their apps will work with the upcoming release usually opt-in for this program. They have to make sure that if they update, everything works as it was before upgrading. The program offers to deploy Insider Preview builds across 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 apps and infrastructure ahead of release.

You can also try Windows Insider Preview on Hyper-V machine using Work ID. It is probably the safest way to test out business applications and how existing apps behave with the upcoming version of Windows.

To get this on the computer, you can follow the same method as the Consumer Preview Program, but you will have to register using a work account. It is possible to pause Windows Updates when required, and even to quit the Windows Insider Program once stable build arrives.

Windows Insider Program for Server

If you are running Windows Server for your inhouse infrastructure or clients, the Server program is beneficial. You can allow the clients to test, and give feedback. Alternatively, you can test yourself, and keep the rest of the people updated about it.

Read: Where to download Windows Server Insider Preview Builds?

The Server Program involves registering a personal or work account with Microsoft to download the build. In server build, you are provided with Matching debugging symbols. Also, builds are made available for you to download and install at your discretion.

If you want to learn more about all these programs, check the official Windows Insider Program documentation at Microsoft’s website. You will also get access to the community, feedback hub, and more when setting up Insider for the computers.

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