diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md b/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..4623481b66 --- /dev/null +++ b/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,70 @@ +--- +title: Introduction to the Windows Insider Program for Business +description: Introduction to the Windows Insider Program for Business and why IT Pros should join it +ms.prod: w10 +ms.mktglfcycl: manage +ms.sitesec: library +author: jaimeo +ms.localizationpriority: high +ms.author: jaimeo +ms.date: 02/26/2018 +--- + +# Introduction to the Windows Insider Program for Business + + +**Applies to** + +- Windows 10 + +> **Looking for information about Windows 10 for personal or home use?** See [Windows Update: FAQ](https://support.microsoft.com/help/12373/windows-update-faq) + +For many IT Pros, it's valuable to have visibility into feature updates early--before they’re available in the Semi-Annual Channel. With Windows 10, feature flighting enables participants in the Windows Insider Preview program can consume and deploy preproduction code to test devices, gaining early visibility into the next build. This is better for your organization because you can test the early builds of Windows 10 to discover possible issues with the code or with device and app compatibility in your organization before the update is ever publicly available. We at Microsoft also appreciate it because Insiders can report issues back to us in time for us to make improvements in a release before it is more generally available. + +The Windows Insider Program for Business gives you the opportunity to: + +* Get early access to Windows Insider Preview Builds. +* Provide feedback to Microsoft in real time by using the Feedback Hub app. +* Sign in with corporate credentials (Azure Active Directory) and increase the visibility of your organization's feedback with Microsoft – especially on features that support your productivity and business needs. +* Register your Azure Active Directory domain in the program, allowing you to cover all users within your organization with just one registration. +* Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, enable, disable, defer, and pause the installation of preview builds through policies. +* Track feedback provided through the Feedback Hub App across your organization. + +Microsoft recommends that all organizations have at least a few devices enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, to include the Windows Insider Program in their deployment plans, and to provide feedback on any issues they encounter to Microsoft via our Feedback Hub App. + +The Windows Insider Program doesn't replace Semi-Annual Channel deployments in an organization. Rather, it provides IT Pros and other interested parties with pre-release Windows builds that they can test and ultimately provide feedback on to Microsoft. + + + + + +## Explore new Windows 10 features in Insider Previews +Windows 10 Insider Preview builds offer organizations a valuable and exciting opportunity to evaluate new Windows features well before general release. What’s more, by providing feedback to Microsoft on these features, you and other Insiders in your organization can help shape Windows for your specific business needs. Here’s how to get the most out of your feature exploration: + +|Objective |Feature exploration| +|---------|---------| +|Release channel |**Fast Ring:** Insider Preview builds in the Fast Ring are released approximately once a week and contain the very latest features. This makes them ideal for feature exploration.| +|Users | Because Fast Ring builds are released so early in the development cycle, we recommend limiting feature exploration in your organization to IT administrators and developers running Insider Preview builds on secondary devices. | +|Tasks | - Install and manage Insider Preview builds on devices (per device or centrally across multiple devices)
- Explore new features in Windows designed for organizations, including new features related to current and planned line of business applications
- Before running an Insider Preview build, check our [Windows Insider blog](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-insider-program/#k3WWwxKCTWHCO82H.97) for a summary of current features. | +|Feedback | - Provide feedback via [Feedback Hub app](insiderhub://home/). This helps us make adjustments to features as quickly as possible.
- Encourage users to sign into the Feedback Hub using their AAD work accounts. This enables both you and Microsoft to track feedback submitted by users within your specific organization. (Note: This tracking is only visible to Microsoft and registered Insiders within your organization’s domain.)
- [Learn how to provide effective feedback in the Feedback Hub](https://insider.windows.com/en-us/how-to-feedback/) | + +## Validate Insider Preview builds +Along with exploring new features, you also have the option to validate your apps and infrastructure on Insider Preview builds. This activity can play an important role in your [Windows 10 deployment strategy](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business). Early validation has several benefits: + +- Get a head start on your Windows validation process +- Identify issues sooner to accelerate your Windows deployment +- Engage Microsoft earlier for help with potential compatibility issues +- Deploy Windows 10 Semi-Annual releases faster and more confidently +- Maximize the 18-month support Window that comes with each Semi-Annual release. + +[![Illustration showing the Windows Insider PreviewFast Ring for exploration, the Slow Ring for validation, the Semi-Annual Channel Targeted ring for Pilot deployment, and the Semi-Annual Channel for broad deployment](images/WIP4Biz_deployment.png)](images/WIP4Biz_deployment.png) +Windows 10 Insider Preview builds enable organizations to prepare sooner for Windows Semi-Annual releases and reduce the overall validation effort required with traditional deployments. + +|Objective |Feature exploration| +|---------|---------| +|Release channel |**Slow Ring:** Insider Preview builds in the Slow Ring are released approximately once a month. They are more stable than Fast Ring releases, making them better suited for validation purposes. Slow Ring releases can be run on either secondary or primary production devices by skilled users.| +|Users | Application and infrastructure validation: In addition to Insiders who might have participated in feature exploration, we also recommend including a small group of application users from each business department to ensure a representative sample.| +|Tasks | Application and infrastructure validation: Before running an Insider Preview build, check our [Windows Insider blog](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-insider-program/#k3WWwxKCTWHCO82H.97) and [Windows Insider Tech Community](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Insider-Program/bd-p/WindowsInsiderProgram) pages for updates on current issues and fixes. | +|Feedback | Application and infrastructure validation:Provide feedback in the Feedback Hub app and also inform app vendors of any significant issues. | +|Guidance | Application and infrastructure validation:
- [Use Upgrade Readiness to create an app inventory and identify mission-critical apps](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/windows/deploy/upgrade-readiness-identify-apps)
- [Use Device Health to identify problem devices and device drivers](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/device-health-monitor)
- [Windows 10 application compatibility](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/mt703793)| + diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Deployment.png b/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Deployment.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..bf267aa9eb Binary files /dev/null and b/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Deployment.png differ diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png b/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..37acadde3a Binary files /dev/null and b/windows/deployment/update/images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png differ diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business.md index fe47323f40..90a9961063 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business.md @@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ description: Overview of the Windows Insider Program for Business ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage ms.sitesec: library -author: DaniHalfin +author: jaimeo ms.localizationpriority: high -ms.author: daniha -ms.date: 10/27/2017 +ms.author: jaimeo +ms.date: 02/27/2018 --- # Windows Insider Program for Business @@ -19,41 +19,28 @@ ms.date: 10/27/2017 > **Looking for information about Windows 10 for personal or home use?** See [Windows Update: FAQ](https://support.microsoft.com/help/12373/windows-update-faq) -For many IT Pros, gaining visibility into feature updates early, before they’re available to the Semi-Annual Channel, can be both intriguing and valuable for future end user communications as well as provide additional prestaging for Semi-Annual Channel devices. With Windows 10, feature flighting enables Windows Insiders to consume and deploy preproduction code to their test devices, gaining early visibility into the next build. Testing the early builds of Windows 10 helps both Microsoft and its customers because they have the opportunity to discover possible issues before the update is ever publicly available and can report it to Microsoft. Also, as flighted builds get closer to their release to the Semi-Annual Channel, organizations can test their deployment on test devices for compatibility validation. -The Windows Insider Program for Business gives you the opportunity to: -* Get early access to Windows Insider Preview Builds. -* Provide feedback to Microsoft in real-time via the Feedback Hub app. -* Sign-in with corporate credentials (Azure Active Directory) and increase the visibility of your organization's feedback with Microsoft – especially on features that support your productivity and business needs. -* Register your Azure AD domain into the program, to cover all users within your organization with just one registration. -* Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, enable, disable, defer and pause the installation of preview builds through policies. -* Track feedback provided through the Feedback Hub App, across your organization. - -Microsoft recommends that all organizations have at least a few PCs enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, to include the Windows Insider Program in their deployment plans and to provide feedback on any issues they encounter to Microsoft via our Feedback Hub App. - -The Windows Insider Program isn’t intended to replace Semi-Annual Channel deployments in an organization. Rather, it provides IT Pros and other interested parties with pre-release Windows builds that they can test and ultimately provide feedback on to Microsoft. ## Getting started with Windows Insider Program for Business -To get started with the Windows Insider Program for Business, you can follow a few simple steps: +To get started with the Windows Insider Program for Business, follow these steps: -1. [Register your organizational Azure AD account](#individual-registration) to the Windows Insider Program for Business. +1. [Register your organization's Azure AD account](#individual-registration) to the Windows Insider Program for Business. 2. [Register your organization's Azure AD domain](#organizational-registration) to the Windows Insider Program for Business.
**Note:** Registering user has to be a Global Administrator in the Azure AD domain. 3. [Set policies](#manage-windows-insider-preview-builds) to enable Windows Insider Preview builds and select flight rings. >[!IMPORTANT] ->The **Allow Telemetry** setting has to be set to 2 or higher, to receive Windows Insider preview builds. +>To receive Windows Insider Preview builds, set the **Allow Telemetry** setting in Group Policy to 2 or higher. > ->The setting is available in **Group Policy**, through **Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Data Collection and Preview Builds - Allow Telemetry** or in **MDM**, through [**System/AllowTelemetry**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-system#system-allowtelemetry). +>In **Group Policy**, this setting is in **Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Data Collection and Preview Builds - Allow Telemetry**. In **MDM**, the setting is in [**System/AllowTelemetry**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-system#system-allowtelemetry). -Below are additional details to accomplish the steps described above. ## Register to the Windows Insider Program for Business The first step to installing a Windows 10 Insider Preview build is to register as a Windows Insider. You and your users have two registration options. ### Register using your work account (recommended) -• Registering with your work account in Azure Active Directory (AAD) is required to submit feedback on behalf of your organization and manage Insider Preview builds on other PCs in your domain. +Registering with your work account in Azure Active Directory (AAD) is required to submit feedback on behalf of your organization and manage Insider Preview builds on other devices in your domain. >[!NOTE] >Requires Windows 10 Version 1703 or later. Confirm by going to Settings>System>About. If you do not have an AAD account, [find out how to get an Azure Active Directory tenant](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/active-directory-howto-tenant). @@ -62,42 +49,46 @@ The first step to installing a Windows 10 Insider Preview build is to register a Use the same account that you use for other Microsoft services. If you don’t have a Microsoft account, it is easy to get one. [Get a Microsoft account](https://account.microsoft.com/account). ## Install Windows Insider Preview Builds -You can install Windows 10 Insider Preview builds directly on individual PCs, manage installation across multiple PCs in an organization, or install on a virtual machine. +You can install Windows 10 Insider Preview builds directly on individual devices, manage installation across multiple devices in an organization, or install on a virtual machine. -### Install on an individual PC +### Install on an individual device -1. Open [Windows Insider Program settings](ms-settings:windowsinsider) (On your Windows 10 PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program). Note: To see this setting, you need to have administrator rights to your PC. +1. Open [Windows Insider Program settings](ms-settings:windowsinsider) (On your Windows 10 device, go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program). Note: To see this setting, you need to have administrator rights to your device. 2. Link your Microsoft or work account that you used to register as a Windows Insider. 3. Follow the prompts. -(images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png) +[![Settings UI showing Windows Insider Program item selected in lower left](images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png)](images/WIP4Biz_Prompts.png) -### Install across multiple PCs +### Install across multiple devices -Administrators can install and manage Insider Preview builds centrally across multiple PCs within their domain. Here’s how: +Administrators can install and manage Insider Preview builds centrally across multiple devices within their domain. Here’s how: 1. **Register your domain with the Windows Insider Program** +Rather than have each user register individually for Insider Preview builds, administrators can simply [register their domain](https://insider.windows.com/en-us/for-business-organization-admin/) and control settings centrally.
**Note:** The signed-in user needs to be a **Global Administrator** of the Azure AD domain in order to be able to register the domain. + To register a domain, you must be registered in the Windows Insider Program with your work account in Azure Active Directory and you must be assigned a **Global Administrator** role on that Azure AD domain. Also requires Windows 10 Version 1703 or later. -**Register your domain**. Rather than have each user register individually for Insider Preview builds, administrators can simply [register their domain](https://insider.windows.com/en-us/for-business-organization-admin/) and control settings centrally.
**Note:** The signed-in user needs to be a **Global Administrator** of the Azure AD domain in order to be able to register the domain. +**Register your domain**. ->[!Notes] ->• At this point, the Windows Insider Program for Business only supports [Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/active-directory-whatis) (and not Active Directory on premises) as a corporate authentication method. +>[!Note] +>• Currently, the Windows Insider Program for Business supports [Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/active-directory-whatis)--but not on-premises Active Directory--as a corporate authentication method. >• If your company has a paid subscription to Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, Enterprise Mobility Suite, or other Microsoft services – you have a free subscription to Microsoft Azure Active Directory. This subscription can be used to create users for enrollment in the Windows Insider Program for Business. ->• If you do not have an AAD account, install Insider Preview builds on individual PCs with a registered Microsoft account. +>• If you do not have an AAD account, install Insider Preview builds on individual devices with a registered Microsoft account. 2. **Apply Policies** Once you have registered your enterprise domain, you can control how and when devices receive Windows Insider Preview builds on their devices. See: [How to manage Windows 10 Insider Preview builds across your organization](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business). ### Install on a virtual machine. -This option enables you to run Insider Preview builds without changing the Windows 10 production build already running on a PC. -• For guidance on setting up virtual machines on your PC see: [Introduction to Hyper-V on Windows 10](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/about/). -• To download the latest Insider Preview build to run on your virtual machine see: +This option enables you to run Insider Preview builds without changing the Windows 10 production build already running on a device. + +For guidance on setting up virtual machines on your device, see [Introduction to Hyper-V on Windows 10](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/hyper-v-on-windows/about/). + +To download the latest Insider Preview build to run on your virtual machine, see [Windows Insider Preview downloads](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windowsinsiderpreviewadvanced) ## Manage Windows Insider Preview builds -Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, administrators can control how and when devices receive Windows Insider Preview builds on their devices. +Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, administrators can control how and when devices receive Windows Insider Preview builds. The **Manage preview builds** setting gives enables or prevents preview build installation on a device. You can also decide to stop preview builds once the release is public. * Group Policy: **Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update/Windows Update for Business** - *Manage preview builds* @@ -114,60 +105,63 @@ The **Branch Readiness Level** settings allows you to choose between preview [fl * Group Policy: **Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update/ Windows Update for Business** - *Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received* * MDM: [**Update/BranchReadinessLevel**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update#update-branchreadinesslevel) -![Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received group policy](images/waas-wipfb-policy1.png) +![Group Policy dialog showing the "Select when Preview Builds and Feature updates are received" configuration panel](images/waas-wipfb-policy1.png) ### Individual enrollment If you want to manage Windows Insider preview builds prior to Windows 10, version 1709, or wish to enroll a single device, follow these steps: 1. Enroll your device by going to **Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program** and selecting **Get Started**. Sign-in using the account you used to register for the Windows Insider Program. -2. After reading the privacy statement and clicking **Next**, **Confirm** and schedule a restart. -3. You are ready to install your first preview build. To do so, go to **Start** > **Settings** > **Update & security** > **Windows Insider Program** to select your Windows Insider level. The device receives the most recent Windows Insider build for the Windows Insider level you select. +2. Read the privacy statement and then click **Next**, **Confirm**, +3. Schedule a restart. You are now ready to install your first preview build. +4. To install the first preview, open **Start** > **Settings** > **Update & security** > **Windows Insider Program** and select your Windows Insider level. The device receives the most recent Windows Insider build for the Windows Insider level you select. >[!NOTE] ->To enroll your PC, you’ll require administration rights on the machine and it needs to be running Windows 10, Version 1703 or later. If you are already registered in the Windows Insider Program using your Microsoft account, you’ll need to [switch enrollment to the organizational account](#how-to-switch-between-your-msa-and-your-corporate-aad-account). +>To enroll your device, you’ll require administration rights on the device, which must be running Windows 10, Version 1703 or later. If you are already registered in the Windows Insider Program using your Microsoft account, you’ll need to [switch enrollment to the organizational account](#how-to-switch-between-your-msa-and-your-corporate-aad-account). >[!TIP] >Administrators have the option to use [Device Health](/windows/deployment/update/device-health-monitor) in Windows Analytics to monitor devices running Windows 10 Insider Preview builds. ## Flight rings -Flighting rings are used to evaluate the quality of our software as it is released to progressively larger audiences. We will flight a Feature Update, application, etc. to the first ring if it passes all required automated testing in the lab. The flight will continue to be evaluated against a set of criteria to ensure it is ready to progress to the next ring. +Flight rings are used to evaluate the quality of our software as it is released to progressively larger audiences. We will flight a Feature Update, application, etc. to the first ring if it passes all required automated testing in the lab. The flight will continue to be evaluated against a set of criteria to ensure it is ready to progress to the next ring. These are the available flight rings: ### Release Preview -Best for Insiders who enjoy getting early access to updates for the Semi-Annual Channel, Microsoft applications, and drivers, with minimal risk to their devices, and still want to provide feedback to make Windows devices great. +Best for Insiders who prefer to get early access to updates for the Semi-Annual Channel, Microsoft applications, and drivers, with minimal risk to their devices, and still want to provide feedback to make Windows devices great. -Insiders on this level receive builds of Windows just before Microsoft releases them to the Semi-Annual Channel. Although these builds aren’t final, they are the most complete and stable builds available to Windows Insider Program participants. This level provides the best testing platform for organizations that conduct early application compatibility testing on Windows Insider PCs. +Insiders on this level receive builds of Windows just before Microsoft releases them to the Semi-Annual Channel. Although these builds aren’t final, they are the most complete and stable builds available to Windows Insider Program participants. This level provides the best testing platform for organizations that conduct early application compatibility testing on Windows Insider devices. -* The Release Preview Ring will only be visible when your Windows build version is the same as the Semi-Annual Channel. -* To go from a Preview build to the Semi-Annual Channel, use the [Media Creation Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209) (for PC) or [Windows Device Recovery Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=522381) (for Mobile) to reinstall Windows. +The Release Preview Ring will only be visible when your Windows build version is the same as the Semi-Annual Channel. + +To move from a Preview build to the Semi-Annual Channel, use the [Media Creation Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209) (for device) or [Windows Device Recovery Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=522381) (for Mobile) to reinstall Windows. ### Slow -The Slow Windows Insider level is for users who enjoy seeing new builds of Windows with minimal risk to their devices but still want to provide feedback to Microsoft about their experience with the new build. +The Slow Windows Insider level is for users who prefer to see new builds of Windows with minimal risk to their devices but still want to provide feedback to Microsoft about their experience with the new build. * Builds are sent to the Slow Ring after feedback has been received from Windows Insiders within the Fast Ring and analyzed by our Engineering teams. * These builds will include updates to fix key issues that would prevent many Windows Insiders from being able to use the build on a daily basis. -* These builds still may have issues that would be addressed in a future flight. +* These builds still might have issues that would be addressed in a future flight. ### Fast -Best for Windows Insiders who enjoy being the first to get access to builds and feature updates, with some risk to their devices in order to identify issues, and provide suggestions and ideas to make Windows software and devices great. +Best for Windows Insiders who prefer being the first to get access to builds and feature updates--with some risk to their devices--in order to identify issues, and provide suggestions and ideas to make Windows software and devices great. -* Windows Insiders with devices in the Fast Ring should be prepared for more issues that may block key activities that are important to you or may require significant workarounds. -* Because we are also validating a build on a smaller set of devices before going to Fast, there is also a chance that some features may work on some devices but may fail in other device configurations. +* Windows Insiders with devices in the Fast Ring should be prepared for more issues that might block key activities that are important to you or might require significant workarounds. +* Because we are also validating a build on a smaller set of devices before going to Fast, there is also a chance that some features might work on some devices but might fail in other device configurations. * Windows Insiders should be ready to reinstall Windows using the [Media Creation Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209) or [Windows Device Recovery Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=522381) when you are significantly blocked. -* Please remember to report any issue to us through the Windows Insider Feedback Hub or the Windows Insider community forum. +* Remember to report any issue to us through the Windows Insider Feedback Hub or the Windows Insider community forum. >[!NOTE] ->Once your machine is updated to Windows 10 and you select your desired flight ring, the process known as "Compatibility check" will need to run in the background. There is no manual way to force this process to run. This process allows for the discovery of your OS type (32-bit, 64-bit), build edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise), country and language settings, and other required information. Once this process is complete, your machine will be auto-targeted for the next available flight for your selected ring. For the first build on any given machine, this may take up to 24 hours to complete. +>Once your device is updated to Windows 10 and you select your desired flight ring, the process known as "Compatibility check" will need to run in the background. There is no manual way to force this process to run. This process allows for the discovery of your OS type (32-bit, 64-bit), build edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise), country and language settings, and other required information. Once this process is complete, your device will be auto-targeted for the next available flight for your selected ring. For the first build on any given device, this might take up to 24 hours to complete. ### How to switch between flight rings -During your time in the Windows Insider Program, you may want to change between flight rings for any number of reasons. Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, use the **Branch Readiness Level** to switch between flight rings. +During your time in the Windows Insider Program, you might want to change between flight rings for any number of reasons. Starting with Windows 10, version 1709, use the **Branch Readiness Level** to switch between flight rings. + * Group Policy: **Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update/ Windows Update for Business** - *Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received* * MDM: [**Update/BranchReadinessLevel**](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update#update-branchreadinesslevel) @@ -179,57 +173,6 @@ To switch flights prior to Windows 10, version 1709, follow these steps: * [Windows Insider Slow](#slow) * [Release Preview](#release-preview) -## Explore new Insider Preview features -Windows 10 Insider Preview builds offer organizations a valuable and exciting opportunity to evaluate new Windows features well before general release. What’s more, by providing feedback to Microsoft on these features, you and other Insiders in your organization can help shape Windows for your specific business needs. Here’s how to get the most out of your feature exploration: - -**Objective: Release Channel** -Feature Exploration: Fast Ring -Insider Preview builds in the Fast Ring are released approximately once a week and contain the very latest features. This makes them ideal for feature exploration. - -**Objective: Users** -Feature Exploration: Because Fast Ring builds are released so early in the development cycle, we recommend limiting feature exploration in your organization to IT administrators and developers running Insider Preview builds on secondary machines. - -**Objective: Tasks** -Feature Exploration: -• Install and manage Insider Preview builds on PCs (per machine or centrally across multiple machines) -• Explore new features in Windows designed for organizations, including new features related to current and planned line of business applications -• Before running an Insider Preview build, check our [Windows Insider blog](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-insider-program/#k3WWwxKCTWHCO82H.97) for a summary current features. - -**Objective: Feedback** -Feature Exploration: -• Provide feedback via [Feedback Hub app](insiderhub://home/). This helps us make adjustments to features as quickly as possible. -• Encourage users to sign into the Feedback Hub using their AAD work accounts. This enables both you and Microsoft to track feedback submitted by users within your specific organization. (Note: This tracking is only visible to Microsoft and registered Insiders within your organization’s domain.) -• [Learn how to provide effective feedback in the Feedback Hub](https://insider.windows.com/en-us/how-to-feedback/) - -## Validate Insider Preview builds -Along with exploring new features, you also have the option to validate your apps and infrastructure on Insider Preview builds. This activity can play an important role in your [Windows 10 deployment strategy](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-windows-insider-for-business). Early validation has several benefits: -• Get a head start on your Windows validation process -• Identify issues sooner to accelerate your Windows deployment -• Engage Microsoft earlier for help with potential compatibility issues -• Deploy Windows 10 Semi-Annual releases faster and more confidently -• Maximize the 18-month support Window that comes with each Semi-Annual release. - -(images/WIP4Biz_deployment.png) -Windows 10 Insider Preview builds enable organization to prepare sooner for Windows Semi-Annual releases and reduce the overall validation effort required with traditional deployments. - -**Objective: Release Channel** -Application and infrastructure validation: SLOW RING -Insider Preview builds in the Slow Ring are released approximately once a month. They are more stable than Fast Ring releases, making them better suited for validation purposes. Slow Ring releases can be run on either secondary or primary production machines by skilled users. - -**Objective: Recommended Users** -Application and infrastructure validation: In addition to Insiders who may have participated in feature exploration, we also recommend including a small group of application users from each business department to ensure a representative sample. - -**Objective: Recommended Tasks** -Application and infrastructure validation: Before running an Insider Preview build, check our [Windows Insider blog](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-insider-program/#k3WWwxKCTWHCO82H.97) and [Windows Insider Tech Community](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Insider-Program/bd-p/WindowsInsiderProgram) pages for updates on current issues and fixes. - -**Objective: Feedback** -Application and infrastructure validation:Provide feedback in the Feedback Hub app and also inform app vendors of any significant issues. - -**Objective: Guidance** -Application and infrastructure validation: -• [Use Upgrade Readiness to create an app inventory and identify mission-critical apps](https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/windows/deploy/upgrade-readiness-identify-apps) -• [Use Device Health to identify problem devices and device drivers](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/device-health-monitor) -• [Windows 10 application compatibility](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/mt703793) ## How to switch between your MSA and your Corporate AAD account @@ -243,11 +186,11 @@ If you were using your Microsoft Account (MSA) to enroll to the Windows Insider ## Sharing Feedback Via the Feedback Hub As you know a key benefit to being a Windows Insider is Feedback. It’s definitely a benefit to us, and we hope it’s a benefit to you. Feedback is vital for making changes and improvements in Windows 10. Receiving quality and actionable feedback is key in achieving these goals. -Please use the [**Feedback Hub App**](feedback-hub://?referrer=wipForBizDocs&tabid=2) to submit your feedback to Microsoft. +Use the [**Feedback Hub App**](feedback-hub://?referrer=wipForBizDocs&tabid=2) to submit your feedback to Microsoft. -When providing feedback, please consider the following: -1. Check for existing feedback on the topic you are preparing to log. Another user may have already shared the same feedback. If they have, please “upvote” the existing feedback to help prevent duplicate submissions. Adding additional comments to existing feedback can help others by providing clarity to existing information or additional scenarios to review. -2. Provide as much information to us as possible: include reproduction steps, screenshots, any detail you think would help us experience the issue as you have, so that we can work on a fix and get it into a new build as soon as possible. +When providing feedback, consider the following: +* Check for existing feedback on the topic you are preparing to log. Another user might have already shared the same feedback. If they have, “upvote” the existing feedback to help prevent duplicate submissions. Adding additional comments to existing feedback can help others by providing clarity to existing information or additional scenarios to review. +* Provide as much information to us as possible: include reproduction steps, screenshots, any detail you think would help us experience the issue as you have, so that we can work on a fix and get it into a new build as soon as possible. >[!TIP] >You can then track feedback provided by all users in your organization through the Feedback Hub. Simply filter by **My Organization**. @@ -259,7 +202,7 @@ When providing feedback, please consider the following: ### User consent requirement -Feedback Hub needs the user’s consent to access their AAD account profile data (we read their name, organizational tenant ID and user ID). When they sign in for the first time with the AAD account, they will see a popup asking for their permission, like this: +Feedback Hub needs the user’s consent to access their AAD account profile data (we read their name, organizational tenant ID, and user ID). When they sign in for the first time with the AAD account, they will see a popup asking for their permission, like this: ![Feedback Hub consent to AAD pop-up](images/waas-wipfb-aad-consent.png) @@ -282,7 +225,7 @@ To do this through the **classic Azure portal**: 2. Switch to the **Active Directory** dashboard. ![Azure classic portal dashboard button](images/waas-wipfb-aad-classicaad.png) 3. Select the appropriate directory and go to the **Configure** tab. -4. Under the **integrated applications** section, enable **Users may give applications permissions to access their data**. +4. Under the **integrated applications** section, enable **Users might give applications permissions to access their data**. ![Azure classic portal enable consent](images/waas-wipfb-aad-classicenable.png) To do this through the **new Azure portal**: @@ -298,7 +241,7 @@ To do this through the **new Azure portal**: ## Not receiving Windows 10 Insider Preview build updates? -In some cases, your PC may not update to the latest Windows Insider Preview build as expected. Here are items that you can review to troubleshoot this issue: +In some cases, your device might not update to the latest Windows Insider Preview build as expected. Here are items that you can review to troubleshoot this issue: ### Perform a manual check for updates Go to **Settings > Updates & Security**. Review available updates or select **Check for updates**. @@ -310,25 +253,25 @@ Go to **Settings > Updates & Security**. Review available updates or select **Ch Go to **Settings > Updates & Security > Activation** to verify Windows is activated. ### Make sure your corporate account in AAD is connected to your device -Open **Settings \ Accounts \ Access work or school**. If your PC is not listed as connected to your account in AAD, click Connect and enter your AAD account. +Open **Settings \ Accounts \ Access work or school**. If your device is not listed as connected to your account in AAD, click Connect and enter your AAD account. ### Make sure you have selected a flight ring Open **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program** and select your flight ring. ### Have you recently done a roll-back? -If so, please double-check your flight settings under **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program**. +If so, double-check your flight settings under **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program**. -### Did you do a clean install? -After a clean-install and initial setup of a Microsoft or corporate account (even one that has been used previously for flighting) the appropriate targeting needs to take place for your PC. This background process is known as Compatibility Checker and will run during idle time on your PC. This process may take up to 24 hours. Please leave your PC turned on to ensure this occurs in timely manner. +### Did you do a clean installion? +After a clean installation and initial setup of a Microsoft or corporate account (even one that has been used previously for flighting) the appropriate targeting needs to take place for your device. This background process is known as Compatibility Checker and will run during idle time on your device. This process might take up to 24 hours. To ensure that this occurs in a timely manner, leave your device turned on. ### Are there known issues for your current build? -On rare occasion, there may be an issue with a build that could lead to issues with updates being received. Please check the most recent Blog Post or reach out to the Windows Insider team on Twitter for verification (*@WindowsInsider*). You can also check the **Feedback Hub** for announcements and known issues. +On rare occasion, there might be an issue with a build that could lead to issues with updates being received. Check the most recent blog post or contact the Windows Insider team on Twitter for verification (*@WindowsInsider*). You can also check the **Feedback Hub** for announcements and known issues. ## Exiting flighting -After you’ve tried the latest Windows Insider Preview builds, you may want to opt out. In order to do that, go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program** and select **Stop Insider Preview Builds**. Follow the on-screen instructions to stop flighting to your device. +After you’ve tried the latest Windows Insider Preview builds, you might want to opt out. In order to do that, go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program** and select **Stop Insider Preview Builds**. Follow the on-screen instructions to stop flighting to your device. -To go from a Preview build to the Semi-Annual Channel, use the [Media Creation Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209) (for PC) or [Windows Device Recovery Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=522381) (for Mobile) to reinstall Windows. +To go from a Preview build to the Semi-Annual Channel, use the [Media Creation Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209) (for device) or [Windows Device Recovery Tool](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=522381) (for Mobile) to reinstall Windows. ## Unregister @@ -352,9 +295,9 @@ Collaborate and learn from experts in the [WINDOWS INSIDER TECH COMMUNITY](https ## Additional help resources -* [**Windows Blog**](https://blogs.windows.com/blog/tag/windows-insider-program/) - With each new build release we publish a Windows Blog post that outlines key feature changes as well as known issues that Insiders may encounter while using the build. +* [**Windows Blog**](https://blogs.windows.com/blog/tag/windows-insider-program/) - With each new build release we publish a Windows Blog post that outlines key feature changes as well as known issues that Insiders might encounter while using the build. * [**Microsoft Technical Community for Windows Insiders**](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Insider-Program/bd-p/WindowsInsiderProgram) - Engage with Windows Insiders around the world in a community dedicated to the Windows Insider Program. -* [**Windows Insider Preview community forum**](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp) - Answers is Microsoft’s forum platform and there is an entire area dedicated to the Windows Insider Program. Insiders can filter between PC, Office, Edge, and many others. +* [**Windows Insider Preview community forum**](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp) - Answers is Microsoft’s forum platform and there is an entire area dedicated to the Windows Insider Program. Insiders can filter between device, Office, Edge, and many others. ## Learn More - [Windows Insider Program for Business using Azure Active Directory](waas-windows-insider-for-business-aad.md)