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EnglishWhat is the difference between the WACUP public preview and the limited-access beta?
Updated
The WACUP public preview is downloadable by anyone, while the limited-access beta is restricted to registered beta testers. Both currently share the same build number (#25130, September 30 2026) and both ship for x86 and x64, so the difference is not the code version but who is allowed to run it and how much support risk the project is willing to absorb.
Access and audience
| Public preview | Limited-access beta | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it | Anyone | Registered beta testers only |
| Current build | v1.99.55.25130 (x86 & x64) | v1.99.55.25130 (x86 & x64) |
| Intended audience | General users willing to run pre-release software | Testers who actively report issues |
| Stability expectation | Pre-release; issues possible | Not ready for a wider audience |
The beta is deliberately narrow. The project states it is "not ready for a wider audience & is intentionally limited to avoid causing issues for those that just don't pay attention & support headaches for myself." In other words, the restriction is a support-load decision, not a sign that the beta build is a different, more advanced release.
What this means for choosing
- If you just want to use WACUP and can tolerate pre-release quirks, the public preview is the right entry point. It is the build the project points to for download.
- If you want to help test and are willing to report problems in the preview discussion forum, the beta path is relevant — but you must be a registered beta tester to get it.
- Because both builds are #25130, switching between them is not about getting newer features right now; it is about which channel you are permitted to use.
Installation note that applies to both
The project recommends installing the WACUP Preview build into its own separate directory, away from your existing software install, until it is feature complete. This applies regardless of which build you run, and it is the main practical safeguard while WACUP remains pre-release.
Cost
WACUP is free to download and use. The project accepts donations (Patreon, PayPal, Ko-fi, and non-financial support) to cover development time, but payment is not a condition of access to the public preview. The limited-access beta is gated by tester registration, not by payment.
Following development
Development updates are published through the WACUP forum, blog, support pages, changelogs, and screenshots linked from the site, so you can track build changes without needing beta access.