How to join the Office Insider program and try tomorrow’s features today

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Microsoft is all about showing its work these days. You probably know Microsoft shares preview builds of Windows 10 and 11 leading up to major releases. But did you know Microsoft offers an Insider program for Microsoft Office as well?

If your heart starts racing at the thought of trying out new Excel power features, enhanced editing techniques in Word, or getting a first glimpse at the unified “One Office” client of the future, then the Office Insider program is for you.

Microsoft offers two levels for Insiders. There’s the Beta Channel (formerly the Insider Channel, or “Insider Fast”) level for those who want the earliest possible access to new features. The downside of this level is that it’s more prone to bugs and other issues that could make using Office a frustrating experience. Then there’s the Current Channel (Preview) level, which offers substantially less risk. Both options are available for Windows PCs and Macs, while other platforms may offer just one of those options. Here’s a look at how to join the Office Insider program whether you’re on a PC, Mac, an Android phone, or an iOS device.

How to join the Office Insider program on a Windows 10 or 11 PC
Joining the Office Insider program for Windows requires a Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) Family or Personal subscription plan, or a business or education license. (Here’s how to get Microsoft 365 for cheap.) If your Microsoft 365 license was provided by your university, you’ll need to ask the university’s administrator to allow you access. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t allow Insider access to so-called “perpetual” versions of Office, such as Office 2016.

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Consumers can switch between the two programs by opening any Office application, such as Word. Navigate to File > Account. Then click the Office Insider tile, and from the drop-down menu select Join Office Insider.

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You’ll then see a rather involved few paragraphs of legalese informing you of what data Microsoft will collect about your usage as part pf the program. Then select your desired Insider level—Beta or Current Channel (Preview)—and click OK.

Windows 11 may then put up a User Account Control (UAC) window. Click Yes, and when you return to your program you should see confirmation that you’ve joined the Office Insider program. You may need to restart your PC.