Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Microsoft just made testing out the new Windows 11 features easier

Arif Bacchus
By

Microsoft just moved a recent Windows 11 preview build to the Windows Insider beta channel. One of the more stable channels of the Windows Insider program, this now makes it easier to test Windows 11, with little risk of experiencing device-breaking bugs.

The news means that if you’re interested in testing Windows 11 for the first time, you now have one more choice to get Microsoft’s latest release. You can simply go to your system settings and opt your device into the Windows Insider program, and choose Beta in the list. Of course, you’ll need to make sure your system matches Microsoft’s minimum requirements, too. There are no exceptions.

A Windows 11 2-in-1 PC open on a desk.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While beta channel Windows 11 releases won’t have as many features compared to the dev channel, you will get the basics and have yourself set up for future releases. If you opt-in today, you can enjoy the new Start menu, Taskbar, multitasking features, and the majority of the big Windows 11 features announced so far.

Recommended Videos

Microsoft, however, isn’t yet ready to release the new chat app to beta and says it will be available in the coming weeks.

Related

This very beta channel build was previously released to the dev channel back on July 22. According to Microsoft, beta channel builds are a bit of a better way to enjoy the new operating system. It’s also best suited for early adopters, as the builds are reliable.

“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,” said Microsoft.

Previously, Windows 11 was only tested in the dev channel of the Windows Insider program. All Windows released from that channel come with a lot more known issues that could impact your workflows and day-to-day use of the operating system. It generally wasn’t recommended for non-experienced Windows users, but it does come with the latest and greatest. So if you’re hoping to test things like Android apps on Windows 11, you’ll probably want to choose this channel. Beta channel releases usually come weeks after the dev channel builds.

Now that Microsoft just moved Windows 11 in the beta channel, the operating system is inching closer to a regular release. The last channel left for Windows 11 to hit in the Windows Insider Program is “release preview.” You can expect that channel to get Windows 11 closer to the holiday 2021 time frame.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus
Computing Writer
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: finally time to upgrade?
The screen of the Surface Pro 9.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows, and it's one of the best Windows versions released. At launch, the operating system was very similar to Windows 10, but it has morphed a lot over the past several years. Now, Windows 11 has several key differences compared to Windows 10.

If you've been holding out on upgrading, we have everything you need to know about Windows 11 and how it's different than Windows 10 in this article. We'll detail the differences, as well as show you the areas where Windows 11 is growing faster than Windows 10.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: what's new

Read more
The best Windows 11 themes we’ve tried so far this year
One of the wallpapers from the Windows 11 sunset theme.

If you've just upgraded to the latest version of the Windows operating system, Windows 11, you're probably ready to dive in and customize its appearance. A quick way to customize Windows 11 is by adding a theme. Don't know where to start looking for great Windows 11 themes? Below, you will find some of our current favorite themes for the Windows 11 OS and why we enjoy them.
Explore native Windows 11 themes first

Windows 11 itself represents a significant change in design, exchanging the Windows 10 look for more rounded edges, less-crowded menu screens, and a streamlined, friendly appearance. Part of this design includes new themes specifically made for Windows 11, and we suggest starting your theme search here. These themes are expertly designed, don’t require any additional downloads, and look great.

Read more
Windows 11 24H2 or Windows 12? Here’s what’s coming soon
A laptop running Windows 11.

Windows 11 is more than a few years old and it is getting feature drops called "moments" every so often, as well as yearly updates. But what about the whole new Windows release that will come after Windows 11?

Earlier leaks from Intel and Qualcomm made mention of Windows 12, leading some to believe that Windows 12 might be in development at Microsoft and could come in 2024.

Read more