On October 1, 2014, Microsoft launched the first technical preview version of Windows 10. This was also the launch ceremony for what became known as the WindowsInsider program. Nine years later, the program continues for users who want to get early versions of Windows updates before they become generally available.
Today, Microsoft is celebrating the 9th anniversary of the Windows Insider program in a variety of ways. In a Windows Insider Beta channel blog post today, the company said all members of the Insiders program will receive a special badge in their FeedbackHub app that looks like a 9th birthday cake with red velvet layers.
Microsoft also released two new wallpapers to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the InsiderPreview program. One is light theme and the other is dark theme.
Microsoft said in another blog post:
This wallpaper provides an inside view of our product production and design versions with different aspirations. It symbolizes the journey WindowsInsiders take with us to help us build our products. It’s your valuable contributions and feedback that drive our progress, demonstrating the extraordinary synergy between our team and Insiders. Every line and detail in this image reflects the inspiring partnership that transforms concepts into refined and remarkable realities.
The latest Windows Insider webcast posted on YouTube today also looks back at the program's history and discusses current Insider releases, such as joining Copilot and more:
The WindowsInsider program was so successful that Microsoft decided to launch other Insider programs for other parts of its business. These include the XboxInsiderProgram launched in 2016 and the OfficeInsiderProgram first launched in 2015 (later renamed Microsoft365InsiderProgram).