Microsoft releases feedback from users who contributed to the development of Windows 10.

Strategy
Microsoft releases feedback from users who contributed to the development of Windows 10.

Windows 10 is still a work in progress, as were previous versions of Windows in part, but not to this extent. Barring a change in strategy, Windows 10 will be the last monolithic release of Windows. Windows 10 is about growing and adapting through biannual feature upgrades, and as the fifth anniversary of Windows 10 approaches, Microsoft's Windows Insider team shares some of the user feedback that helped make the OS what it is today They are.

The Windows Insider program allows users to install and test future builds long before they are generally available. There are different "rings" depending on how often you receive new builds and which stage of development you are interested in testing. In the Fast ring, for example, new builds are typically provided every week, and Microsoft warns that "be prepared for issues that may block key activities or require workarounds."

Regardless of the ring, Microsoft encourages Insiders to share feedback about bugs they encounter, likes and dislikes about particular features, etc.

"As Windows Insiders, your feedback has helped drive many changes over the years. From small fixes to big features, you've played a key role in helping us evolve Windows, and in honor of our fifth anniversary, we're looking back at some of our favorites," Microsoft said.

One of these features is the addition of GPU performance monitoring in Task Manager; while third-party utilities like GPU-Z are still far more comprehensive, GPU monitoring in Task Manager is certainly a welcome addition.

Microsoft also appreciates the feedback received from Insiders about the addition of nightlight settings to Windows. Turning on this setting under Settings > Display > Nightlight Settings will reduce the blue light emitted by the screen, theoretically reducing eye strain (there are conflicting articles on blue light and whether it really helps).

Additionally, Microsoft states that insider feedback helped shape the Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10. Specifically, the company said that based on the feedback, an FPS indicator, an achievement widget, an Xbox controller battery life indicator, dark and light themes, and several other small items were added.

There is much more that Microsoft has to thank Insiders for. Without them, there would have been no shortcuts in Windows, no better sticky notes, no wonderfully useful audio device switcher. But it is still interesting to see what Microsoft claims to owe to Insider's suggestions.

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