Microsoft Store apps might be getting their own preview program. Up until now, the only way to test upcoming features and changes for apps required to install buggy versions of Windows 10 using the Skip Ahead option of the Windows Insider Program.
However, things are changing now, as the company has announced that Insiders try out the latest app updates on test previews available in the Fast, Slow, and Release Preview rings through the new Windows App Preview Program.
Insiders can opt-in to previews for the following first-wave of apps:
- Feedback Hub
- Microsoft Photos
- Microsoft Sticky Notes
- Microsoft Tips
- Paint 3D
- Windows Alarms & Clock
- Windows Calculator
- Windows Camera
- Windows Mixed Reality Viewer
- Windows Voice Recorder
Joining the app preview program
If you want to join the preview program for each app individually without having to switch to the Skip Ahead lane, you’ll have to go to the About page of the app, where you’ll find a Join preview button.
Microsoft notes that there are limited slots open to test updates, as such you must join as quickly as possible.
Although the new program won’t change the Windows Insider Program significantly, it’ll help developers to test their apps with more people, and hopefully, it’ll also help to make apps better.
Update February 15, 2018: This article has been updated with the correct information about the program with new Microsoft official announcement, and to clarify that the preview program for apps is only meant for participants of the Windows Insider Program who are not using the Skip Ahead option.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].