Microsoft is Ending the Windows Insider MVP Program

As Microsoft’s Windows Insider program just celebrated its 9th anniversary, the company announced that it was sunsetting the Windows Insider MVP program at the end of the year. The program was officially announced back in 2016 and welcomed a community of Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) passionate about Windows and consumer devices.

“In an effort to consolidate MVP-style programs across Microsoft, we have decided to retire the Windows Insider MVP Program effective December 31, 2023,” a Microsoft spokesperson told The Register. “All our existing Windows Insider MVPs will be nominated to participate in the Microsoft MVP Program which has similar benefits and opportunities to continue networking with us and interacting with many other Microsoft MVPs globally.”

The Windows Insider MVP Program provided its members with a couple of perks including free subscription to Microsoft products, as well as invitations to special events. To get a chance to join the club, Windows enthusiasts needed to be nominated by either a Microsoft employee or an existing MVP. According to the online directory, there are 90 Windows Insider MVPs across the world as of this writing.

Unfortunately, the MVP program probably was a relic of a past when Windows Insiders seemed to have a bit more impact. A time when the Windows Insider Program also had more of a public incarnation with people like Gabe Aul or Dona Sarkar.

Back in 2016, the latter said that the Windows Insider Program was “where the future of Windows is being shaped directly by the people who use Windows most.” Is that really still the case today when most new Windows features only roll out to a subset of Insiders, leaving many enthusiasts waiting for more?