Windows 11 is in for a treat if Microsoft can reinvigorate its enthusiasts. After years of soulless rollouts, ignored feedback, and feature releases that never even touched an Insider build, Microsoft is making real changes.
Being part of the Windows Insider Program used to be fun. It felt like living on the cutting edge while also helping shape an operating system.
Yes, it was silly at times. Look no further than Ninja Cat riding King Kong while fighting airplanes with bacon wings. But it was a community.
Back before I needed glasses and still had a (mostly) full head of hair, I used to have notifications for when Zac Bowden would drop build news or share a new video. I'd race over to what was then Twitter and talk about changes with Rubino and other enthusiasts online.
In some ways, I can credit my career to the Windows Insider Program. Those early builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11 shaped what I have covered for over a decade and helped me connect with the Windows Central team.
I'm thrilled to see a spark of that passion back at Microsoft, and that it's not being smothered.
Biggest News Stories
Microsoft kicked off its reboot of the Windows Insider Program recently. The tech giant is eager to listen to feedback and is lowering barriers that prevent Insiders from testing new features.
Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino got an inside look at Microsoft's plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11. A big part of that is the Windows Insider Program.
Over on the hardware side of things, we saw Surface enthusiasts resort to 3-D printing to make an accessory Microsoft won't.
Meanwhile, a leaked memo revealed Sam Altman believes OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft has stopped the OpenAI from reaching its full potential.
Inside Microsoft’s big plan to SAVE Windows 11
Microsoft restructured its Windows team to position Windows 11 as a platform that people should want to use.
How Microsoft wants enthusiasts to help rescue Windows 11
From Ninja Cat to named owners — we learned how Microsoft is rebooting the Insider program
Windows 11 is finally giving you real control over updates
New controls let you skip updates during setup, extend pauses, and avoid forced reboots.
Windows Insider reboot begins with first Experimental Preview build
The first Experimental Preview build landed as Microsoft reorganizes the Insider Program.
Leaked OpenAI memo throws serious shade at Microsoft
The ChatGPT maker says Microsoft has prevented it from realizing its full potential in enterprise.
Surface fans are now 3D‑printing the hardware Microsoft won’t build
A community‑made accessory pairs the Surface Pro with a wireless ThinkPad keyboard.
Why this matters for Windows 11
Of course, it's not just about fun. Billions of people use Windows, so even a glorious feline mascot is meaningless if bugs persist and Microsoft ignores feedback.
Luckily, Microsoft has changed its tune on that front as well. The company announced major changes to Windows 11, is revamping the Windows Insider Program, and has committed to double down on quality.
In one of the first editions of the Windows Wrap, I highlighted how Microsoft had finally read the room. Some argued that it was too little too late. Others said we need to wait for Microsoft to deliver (which is fair).
Well, we're a few months in and we're seeing tangible changes. It's a great start and I hope it continues.
Rubino argued in his exclusive piece last week that Microsoft should credit the Insiders that contributed to a change being made. That's exactly the type of thing Microsoft needs to do more of.
What would inspire you to get more involved with the Windows Insider Program? Let me know in the comments!
Shopping with Sean
This week my top recommendation is for a tiny microSD card at a big discount. The Sandisk 512GB Extreme microSD UHS-I Card is a great accessory for anyone who needs extra space on their PC. It's quick enough to store games (245MB/s Read Speeds and 170MB/s Write Speeds), and it's great for storing photos and videos as well.
Until or unless it gets dethroned, the ASUS Zenbook A16 will remain my laptop recommendation. It's thin, light, gorgeous, and powered by the new Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor from Qualcomm.
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