Insider updates arrive on your computer sooner once you are signed up for the Windows Insider program.
You will therefore receive priority from Microsoft in this area. But it can also happen that Microsoft tests functions that ultimately do not make it - for example because they cause too many problems.
Installing these updates is not without risk. The test versions of Windows 11 (called Insider builds) are not always stable.
So don't be put off by problems with drivers that you didn't have before, or by software that suddenly no longer works properly. So try it at your own risk.
You can also choose to only install Insider builds on a second (crafting) PC, instead of the computer you use every day. If something goes wrong, you always have a PC to fall back on. And don't forget: make one first backup your important files.
To use the Windows 11 insider program, your computer must have the system requirements for Windows 11.
It is no longer possible to register a computer with the insider program without the requirements. In some insider builds, it is checked whether the PC meets the requirements to successfully start Windows 11, such as TPM and Secure boot.
Sign up for Insider previews in Windows 11
To register your computer for the Windows insider program, open the Settings. Click on “Windows update” on the left and then on “Windows Insider program”.
You may then be prompted to enable “Optional Diagnostics”. Click on the “Open diagnostics and feedback” notification. If you don't see the message, skip this step and read on.
Then enable the “Send optional diagnostic data” option. It helps Microsoft improve the experience in Windows 11 and resolve issues. Data is sent to Microsoft, such as the websites you visit, how you use apps and features in Windows 11, and enhanced error logging is enabled.
Then return to the “Windows Insider program” and click the “Get started” button.
The first step of four is linking a Microsoft account. You cannot participate in the insider program without a Microsoft account.
Click on the “Link an account” button.
Then select a work account or a Microsoft account.
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
The next step is the channel you should choose to receive insider builds. You can choose from three different insider builds, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Dev channel
Dev van (“developer”) channel, is the channel for technical users. If you choose the Developers channel, you will be the first to receive the latest updates for Windows 11. The disadvantage is that errors often occur in insider developer builds and that it is not possible to no longer receive insider builds later. Once you have chosen “dev channel” you can no longer leave the insider program.
Beta channel
In the beta channel, stable builds of the insider program are installed on your computer. These updates have been validated by Microsoft and any explanations you provide on the beta builds will have the most impact.
Release preview
If you are a commercial user of Windows 11 and you want to have solutions and new features available a little earlier, choose the release preview program. Most of the issues have been resolved and these versions are almost identical to the official builds for end users.
Make your informed choice and click “Continue”.
In step three, you must agree to the agreement for your device. Read the Microsoft Insider Program Agreement and the Microsoft Insider Privacy Agreement. Then click on the “Continue” button.
The final step, step four, explains what you need to do to complete signing up for insider previews. You must restart the computer and connect your computer to AC power. Click “Restart Now” when you are done.
After the restart you will now receive Windows insider builds.
To check for new builds go to the Windows update settings and check for new updates by clicking “Check for updates”. If new insider builds are available, these versions will automatically be downloaded to your computer and then installed.
If you do not want to receive new insider builds, click on “Windows insider program” and then on “No more preview builds”
Stopping receiving insider builds is only possible for the beta and releases preview channel, not for the dev ("developer") channel. If you have selected the dev channel you will need to completely reinstall your computer.
I hope this helped you and that you were able to receive Windows insider previews on your Windows 11 computer. Thank you for reading!