Unsure whether you should try or not the Windows 10 Preview for phones? You can use the answers to the following questions in deciding whether to install it or not.
1. What is Windows 10 Preview, and what is it for?
Windows 10 Preview is a beta test that Microsoft rolled out last week for Windows phone users to try on their phones and provide feedback to help shape an OS that is underdevelopment.
2. Does my main Windows phone support the Windows 10 Preview?
The new OS supports a subset of Lumia Phones, including Lumia 630, Lumia 635, Lumia 636, Lumia 638, Lumia 730, Lumia 830.
Additional spec requirements include having the Windows 8.1 for processor. You can check your phone by going to Settings, and choosing About, then click on Info button.
Note that the Technical Preview won't be supporting phones from mobile operators in China.
3. Since it is pre-release, are there any bugs that phone users can encounter upon installing the OS?
Yes, there are. In fact, a caveat is provided (before installing the OS) advising prospective users of possible issues like not being able to place calls or incur damage to certain features and apps causing it to permanently stop operating. These undesirable effects are understandable, though, considering that the new OS is not 8.1 - the operating system for latest Windows phones.
4. Is it advisable to use my main phone in installing the Technical Preview?
Yes and No. Yes, if you have no other phones that you can use to install the Technical Preview and want to try and provide feedback about the OS. But if you have alternative Windows phones, try it on them to avoid the risks that come with the pre-release software.
Make sure to run a backup for your previous settings.
5. How do I install the Windows 10 Preview?
If your phone meets the spec requirements for installing the new OS, the next step is to sign up for the Windows Insider Program. Then install the Windows Insider App from the Windows website.
6. What should I do if I want to get back to my previous OS?
Uninstall the Windows 10 Preview and restart your phone. Doing so will roll back all updates pertaining to the Windows 10 Preview. If some of the features stop operating after this method, then rerun your backup system. You can also unistall the new OS if it does not start properly and install it again after restarting the phone.
Should you install it or not?
If you want your hands on the features that the Windows 10 Preview for phones offers and you're interested in providing feedback, and you understand the risks of running it on your phone, then by all means load it up. But if your reasons do not include any of these, then feel free to skip it. After all, it is only in mid-development period so you won't be missing a lot.
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