Windows Insiders on the Beta Channel (which is the second most stable channel of the Windows Insider program) will be getting their first taste of Microsoft’s next major Windows 11 update soon.
As you’re probably aware, Windows Insider Program has been designed for users and enterprises interested in the get early access to upcoming features. The Windows Insider program currently includes three channels (levels of readiness) – Dev Channel (Fast ring), Beta Channel (Slow ring), and Release Preview.
At the moment, Windows 11 preview is available for those part of the Dev Channel of the Insider program. Unlike the two other channels, Dev Channel gives you access to new improvements as soon as they’re ready for public preview, but builds in Dev Channel are generally buggy.
For example, a bug in Windows 11 Build 22000.71, which was released this week, could crash the File Explorer (explorer.exe) and taskbar if you click on the calendar flyout to open the notification center. Explorer.exe crashes are experienced when the Focus Assist feature is turned off.
According to Microsoft officials, the tech giant is now planning to ship Windows 11 preview build to Beta Channel later this month. In addition to the first beta channel build, which is likely to be more polished than the builds currently available in the Dev Channel, we’re also expecting official ISO images.
Unlike the Dev Channel, the Beta channel will offer early access to all new Windows 11 features and these builds will be less risky. However, there’s a catch – new builds in the Beta channel won’t be released as frequently as in the Dev Channel and some improvements will be missing initially.
If you want to access newer features, but you don’t want to deal with critical bugs, Beta Channel is for you.
Windows 11 RTM
Windows 11 Build 22000 is currently believed to be an RTM (release to manufacturer) build.
Microsoft recently finalized Build 22000, which is the Core OS of Windows 11, as the RTM candidate. iWdows Insiders are currently testing cumulative updates for the operating system and OEMs have already received the preview, but some bits will be delivered later.
With the help of feedback and telemetry data from Windows Insiders, Microsoft is now trying to polish the experience before pushing the final build to devices in the production (non-Insider) channel
Windows 11 will continue to evolve with quality improvements just like the Creators Update did, so you can expect quality improvements and support for Android apps and Microsoft Teams chat app in the upcoming builds.
