What are Microsoft’s Slow, Fast and Release Preview rings?

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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A lot of us are interested in finding out what are the latest features thatMicrosoftplans on releasingupdateafterupdate. Those of us that want to also have an active role in the development process can also be part of the Windows Insider program.

It is an open software testing program byMicrosoftthat allows users who own a valid license of Windows to register for pre-release builds of the operating system. These builds were previously only accessible to software developers.

While this in itself seems like something very exclusive, even hereMicrosoftdelivers the content based on categories on rankings, also known asRings.

The different Rings in the Windows Insider program

Microsoft currently has multiple Rings, and these are the following:

However, theFast,SlowandRelease Preview Ringsare the only ones where users are the ones that test out the builds.

1. The Fast Ring

Those that are part of the Fast Ring are the first users to receive the pre-release builds after testing fromMicrosoft.Windows Insidersin the Fast Ring receiveupdatesprior toWindows Insidersin the Slow Ring but might experience more bugs and other issues.

However, those in the Fast Ring may receiveupdatesat around once per week, up to twice per week at the end of the build’s development cycle.

2. The Slow Ring

Those that are part of the Slow Ring are usually users that want to test out the latest features thatMicrosoftintroduced, but also hate facing bugs and issues.

Since the build was previously tested by those in the Fast Ring and then again for a period byMicrosoftemployees, this build is a bit more stable. The only downside is thatInsidersin the Slow Ring receiveupdatesless often.

3. The Release Preview Ring

The content thatInsidersin the Release Preview Ring receive is nearly identical to what the average customer receives upon official release. Like the retail version, this one receives monthlyupdates, security fixes, bug fixes. These are by far the most stable builds that feature the fewest bugs possible.

Closing thoughts

As you may have noticed, Windows builds go through a wide variety of stages before reaching the general public. This ensures a sense of quality control from bothMicrosoftemployees and customer feedback. And the best part is that joining theWindows Insider programis completely free.

Do you now have a better understanding of what theWindows InsiderRings are? If you are part of one, tell us about your experience in the comment section below.

What are Microsoft’s Slow, Fast and Release Preview rings?#

The different Rings in the Windows Insider program#

1. The Fast Ring#

2. The Slow Ring#

3. The Release Preview Ring#

Closing thoughts#