14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released the very first build of Windows 11 in the Beta channel of the Windows Insider program, and the company says this is the perfect opportunity for testers to decide which way they want to go in the short term.
In other words, if you want to continue to get early builds of Windows 11 that allow you to test the very latest feature additions, you can very well stick with the Dev channel in the Windows Insider program.
But on the other hand, if you’d rather enjoy a more stable Windows 11 experience before the operating system hits the production channel and starts rolling out to devices across the world as a free upgrade, then you’re recommended to switch to the Beta channel going forward.
“If you are in the Dev Channel, now would be the right time to consider switching to the Beta Channel if you want to stay on more stabilized builds of Windows 11. For those of you new to the Windows Insider Program and flighting of OS updates – check out this article for how flighting works. (We use the term “flighting” for the activity of releasing new OS updates to Insiders),” Microsoft tells insiders.
Windows 11 launching in October
Microsoft hasn’t revealed the ETA of Windows 11, but the company did say the free upgrade rollout is projected to kick off later this year.
At the same time, evidence that has been discovered recently indicated that Windows 11 could get the go-ahead for production devices in October, with the rollout to then continue into 2022.
Worth knowing, however, is that not all Windows 10 devices are eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft says only the eight-generation and newer chips are compatible, with the company now conducted a series of tests to determine if seventh-gen processors could handle Windows 11 as well.