How to Update to Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview Builds for Phones
Information
Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview for phones gives you a sneak peek at Windows 10 Mobile for phones.
Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview is here today, and Microsoft is already working on the next version to bring you more great features. Join the Windows Insider Program to make sure you get all the new features that are on the way. If you’re okay with a moving target and don’t want to miss out on the latest stuff, keep reading. Insider Preview could be just your thing.
Starting with the Windows 10 Creators Update build 15204, these are the Windows 10 Mobile devices Microsoft will officially support in the Windows Insider Program going forward:
- HP Elite x3
- Microsoft Lumia 550
- Microsoft Lumia 640/640XL
- Microsoft Lumia 650
- Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL
- Alcatel IDOL 4S
- Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
- SoftBank 503LV
- VAIO Phone Biz
- MouseComputer MADOSMA Q601
- Trinity NuAns NEO
For more information, see:
- How to get Windows 10 Mobile - Windows Help
- Is it right for me? - Microsoft Windows
- Download Windows 10 Insider Preview for phones - Microsoft Windows
- FAQ - What's New in Windows 10 Mobile - Microsoft - USA
- Windows 10 Mobile Firmware Updates
This tutorial will show you step by step on how to set your Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows 10 Mobile phone to receive Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview builds.
Note
Download and install the preview only if you
- Aren't installing it on your primary phone. If you have a backup phone, that's a perfect candidate for Insider Preview.
- Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.
- Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.
- Really know your way around Windows Phone and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, or restoring your original operating system if something goes wrong.
Microsoft is not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think APN is a cable news network, Insider Preview may not be right for you.
Things to keep in mind
Unexpected phone crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything. Some hardware—like Bluetooth speakers—might not work, and some apps might not install or work correctly. You might also have trouble connecting to home or corporate networks.
Your detailed usage and device data, including personal information, will automatically go to Microsoft and our partners to improve our products and services. See the privacy statement for more information.
When downloading updates on your phone, keep it plugged in or make sure your screen is on until the download is complete.
The Windows Insider app will be set to automatically install important updates as they become available. You won’t be able to turn off automatic updates in Windows Insider Preview .
To change when preview builds are installed, open the Windows Insider app, and then select Preview builds. Select the top list, and then select Fast or Slow to choose how often builds are installed.
System requirements
- A phone currently running Windows Phone 8.1
- A phone on the list of supported phones for Technical Preview below
- A Microsoft account and Internet access
Supported phones for Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview
Microsoft is working to get more Windows Phone models supported worldwide. Download the Windows Insider app, and when your phone is supported you'll be able to sign in with the same Microsoft account you used to join the Windows Insider Program. Windows 10 Insider Preview currently works with the following phones:
(last update on 5/17/2016)
Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL, BLU Win HD LTE x150e, BLU Win HD W510U, BLU Win HD LTE X150Q, BLU Win JR x130e, Lumia 430, Lumia 435, Lumia 532, Lumia 535, Lumia 540, Lumia 550, Lumia 635 (1GB), Lumia 636 (1GB), Lumia 638 (1GB), Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 650, Lumia 730, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 929 (ICON), Lumia 930, Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, Lumia 1520, Mouse Computer Madosma Q501, Xiaomi Mi4
- Some phones, regions, and mobile operators might not support Insider Preview. If your phone isn't listed, and no preview builds appear under Enroll in the Windows Insider app, then your phone isn't supported and it may or may not be supported in the future.
- To see which Windows Phone operating system (OS) version is installed on your phone, go to Settings > About > More info.
Warning
If you have not already, it is strongly recommended that you create a backup on your phone now before continuing.
Windows Phone 8 - Back Up Your App List and Setttings
Backup Windows 10 Mobile Phones - Create and Manage
Here's How:
1. Go to the Store on your Windows Phone 8.1, and install the Windows Insider app. (see screenshot below)
2. When the Windows Insider app has finished installing, tap on view. (see screenshot below)
3. Tap on the Windows Insider app on the App list screen to open it. (see screenshot below)
4. Tap on Get preview builds. (see screenshot below)
5. Tap on Insider Release Preview or the Insider level you want to select it, and tap on the select arrow at the bottom. (see screenshot below)
Note
Selecting Production instead will have your phone to stop receiving Insider Preview builds.
You can always choose your Insider level to be in the fast or slow ring afterwards at any time.
6. Tap on accept to confirm. (see screenshot below)
7. You may be prompted to restart your phone to apply. Otherwise, tap on the OK (check) button at the bottom. (see screenshot below)
8. Open the App list, and tap on Settings. (see screenshot below)
9. Tap on phone update in system settings. (see screenshot below)
10. Tap on check for updates. (see screenshot below)
11. After it checking for updates, tap on download. (see screenshots below)
12. Your phone will now start downloading and preparing to install the update. (see screenshots below)
13. When finished, tap on install to start. (see screenshots below)
14. Your phone will now restart and install the software update for Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones. (see screenshots below)
15. When it's "getting there", it will almost be finished. (see screenshot below)
16. When the update has successfully finished, tap on done. (see screenshot below)
17. Enjoy having fun testing and playing with Windows 10 Mobile Insider Release Preview for phones. Go through all your Wi-Fi and phone settings to make sure that they are set to how you want.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
- How to Choose Your Insider Ring Level on Windows 10 Mobile Phone
- How to Stop Receiving Insider Preview Builds on Windows 10 Mobile Phone
- How to Use Windows Device Recovery Tool to Rollback from Windows 10 Mobile
- How to Reset your Windows 10 Mobile Phone