Should you install the Windows 10 Technical Preview on your phone?

A few points to consider earlier you get ahead and take the plunge

Now that we know when we're going to see the showtime Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones, there are definitely going to be a lot of people getting ready to try it out. The desktop previews accept been well received, and there's zilch to propose the phone previews won't be equally and then.

But there are some things to consider before jumping in with both feet. Shiny new things are e'er exciting merely perhaps more so than a computer, the smartphone in your pocket is something you rely upon every single twenty-four hour period. So tread carefully and consider these points start.

It. Will. Exist. Buggy.

Windows Insider

This is non the Preview for Developers program. Whereas that pushes out a product you'd consider generally the finished article – though bugs are ever possible – the Technical Preview will not. Not even close at this point. As such it's going to exist buggy, things are going to be broken and in some cases you may not even exist able to complete basic, essential tasks. That may sound extreme, but information technology's entirely possible with preview software.

And because it's non Windows Telephone viii.1 and currently not a platform developers are building for, some of your favorite apps may not work as intended.

Call back twice before using your main/only phone

All of the Windows Phones

Over again, as with the desktop Technical Preview, if you only take one device to install it on think very carefully about whether you want to take the risk. We don't know notwithstanding how easy or difficult it'south going to exist to curlicue back to Windows Telephone 8.i should the need ascend and we've got no idea how well information technology will perform beyond the different devices currently available.

Tied in with the outset point, your phone may non exist able to perform every bit the phone yous want it to exist. If yous rely on it, is it worth risking with Windows 10?

If yous've got a fill-in telephone or an old handset that meets the requirements, this would ever make a better pick. You become to bring together in with all the fun and games without any risk to your primary phone. At that place will probably be a method of rolling dorsum to Windows Phone 8.ane, but it'll get onetime fast if you're constantly doing it.

Practice you want to be a proficient Windows Insider?

Windows Insider

Microsoft has already talked about how the feedback from the early on Windows 10 for desktop Technical Previews has helped develop the platform. Information technology'due south important to call up that this isn't merely a public preview for people to download and have fun with. Microsoft needs your assist. Microsoft needs you to feedback on all aspects of the OS. Through this the customs will truly contribute to the future of the platform.

Being a skilful, responsible Windows Insider extends across that, though. Voicing opinions and providing feedback in the correct channels is important, as is respecting app developers. If WhatsApp suddenly stops working when you install Windows 10, don't go marching to the Shop leaving a 1-star review and ranting near how crap it is. Developers haven't had fourth dimension with Windows 10 withal, and fifty-fifty when they have, it'due south not an official platform until it launches in non-preview form. By all means provide feedback to app developers on bugs and issues, simply brand sure you follow Wheaton's Police force in doing then.

We've got you covered whatever you decide

Fortunately for you, the Windows Fundamental team will be all over Windows 10. So if you decide to hold off you'll not miss a play a joke on. We'll exist getting into all of the details on the site, as will the folks over in the forums. There'll be plenty of Windows 10 talk, and then y'all're not going to miss anything.

And if you exercise become ahead and load it upward, we'll be with y'all every step of the fashion. Nosotros're only at the first of the journeying. There's going to exist a lot to learn, and nosotros'll exist doing it together.

More than: Windows Fundamental forums

Originally published February 4, 2022