Windows 11 Testers, This Is the Time to Switch Channels

Microsoft has shipped a new Windows 11 preview build, and with this release, the company is giving users in the Windows Insider program the opportunity to change the build channels.

In other words, if you’re part of the Dev channel and want to switch to Beta, this is the right moment to do it because Microsoft warns the window will only be available for a limited period of time.

To allow for the switch, Microsoft has shipped Windows 11 build 22581 to both the Dev and Beta channels, thus allowing for an easy transition between the two.

“Build 22581 is also being flighted to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. Now that the Dev and Beta Channels are receiving the same builds, the limited window has opened for Insiders to switch channels if desired. Please read the details below about the limited window to switch channels and what happens when the window closes. The time is now for you to make sure you’re in the channel you want to be going forward!” the company explains.

Dev vs. Beta

The Dev channel is being used for testing experimental features that don’t come with an ETA, while the Beta channel typically provides access to builds that should be a bit more stable.

Microsoft warns that users who are part of the Dev channel and want to switch to Beta should do it as soon as possible from the Windows Insider program settings in the Settings app on Windows 11.

“This window will close once we release builds with higher build numbers to the Dev Channel. If your device stays on the Dev Channel and receives a build that is a higher build number than what is in the Beta Channel, you will have to do a clean installation of the released version of Windows 11 on your device to switch to the Beta Channel. We will also be kicking off email reminders to Insiders in the Dev Channel about the open window to switch channels as well so that Insiders in the Dev Channel have plenty of time and awareness to switch channels if desired while this window is open,” it says.

In theory, the next Dev channel build should land next week.