Tag

Beta Channel

All articles tagged with #beta channel

Microsoft Simplifies Windows Insider Program with Experimental and Beta Channels
technology1 month ago

Microsoft Simplifies Windows Insider Program with Experimental and Beta Channels

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program, consolidating it into two channels—Experimental (replacing Dev/Canary) and Beta—to address reliability concerns in Windows 11. Beta will immediately deliver features, while Experimental uses feature flags to gradually enable capabilities; users can toggle experimental features in Settings. The phased rollout will move Dev/Canary users to Experimental and align others with the new Experimental or Beta builds. The update also introduces a new Windows Update experience that lets users pause updates and avoid forced reboots, part of the broader effort to make the program simpler and more transparent.

Windows 11 Insider Preview gets a streamlined two-channel overhaul
technology1 month ago

Windows 11 Insider Preview gets a streamlined two-channel overhaul

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11's Insider Preview by replacing Canary/Dev with two main channels—Experimental and Beta (plus Release Preview)—to make feature testing clearer and more predictable. Experimental hosts early, risky builds and Future Platform changes with configurable feature flags; Beta disables CFR and shows features as described in changelogs, with in-place upgrades allowing easy channel switching. Insiders in Canary/Dev are moved to Experimental automatically, while Beta/Release Preview stay as-is, all in a move to simplify testing and make previews more meaningful.

technology2 years ago

Microsoft Revives Windows 10 Beta Program with New Features and Upgrade Path

Microsoft has reopened the Windows 10 beta channel for the first time since 2021, inviting Insiders to test new features for Windows 10, version 22H2. The company clarified that joining the Beta channel will not automatically upgrade devices to Windows 11, which remains optional. Users can switch to the Beta Channel via Settings and will receive new features gradually. Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until October 2025.

"Microsoft Explores Using Windows 11 Start Menu for Targeted Advertisements"
technology2 years ago

"Microsoft Explores Using Windows 11 Start Menu for Targeted Advertisements"

Microsoft is testing "recommendations" – ads for apps in the Microsoft Store – in the Windows 11 Start Menu for a small set of US Beta Channel Windows Insiders, frustrating users who expected improvements to its functionality. The feature can be turned off and is part of Microsoft's efforts to gather feedback from Insiders, but the reaction has been largely negative. This move comes as Microsoft aims to block desktop customization tools while facing backlash from the open source community.

"Microsoft Introduces Exciting Updates and Changes to Windows 11"
technology2 years ago

"Microsoft Introduces Exciting Updates and Changes to Windows 11"

Microsoft has released a new Beta Channel build for Windows Insiders, bringing changes and improvements including Snap Layout suggestions and an in-place upgrade to move unenrolled users to Windows 11 version 23H2. The update also includes bug fixes for issues affecting color font format, RemoteApp windows, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3, Bluetooth phone calls, video calls, and more.

Windows 11 Insider Updates: Enhanced Features and Native .RAR Support
technology2 years ago

Windows 11 Insider Updates: Enhanced Features and Native .RAR Support

Microsoft has released two Windows 11 Insider builds to the Beta Channel, with one enabling new features and the other having them turned off by default. The update introduces native support for various archive file formats, including the popular .RAR format. This marks the debut of .RAR support in the Beta Channel, with plans to roll it out to general users later this year. The update also includes improvements to the cast experience and other enhancements.

"Windows 365 Switch: Seamless Cloud PC and Desktop Transition for Insiders"
technology2 years ago

"Windows 365 Switch: Seamless Cloud PC and Desktop Transition for Insiders"

Microsoft has introduced Windows 365 Switch, a feature that allows users to seamlessly switch between a local desktop and a Windows 365 PC with a mouse-click, gesture, or keyboard command. This feature is available for Dev Channel and Beta Channel Insiders and coincides with the rollout of Windows 11 Build 23521. The update also includes new options for Windows Copilot and improvements to the taskbar, task manager, and Windows Spotlight.