Друзья, эта публикация для инсайдеров Windows 11 – тестирующих новую операционную систему от Microsoft в рамках инсайдерской программы Windows Insider Program. Если вы установили на компьютер инсайдерскую Windows 11, у вас есть возможность выбрать другой канал программы — Dev Channel, Beta Channel или Release Preview Channel. И получать, соответственно, более ранние сборки, проходящие бета-тестирование сборки или относительно стабильные поздние сборки. Если вы устали от глюков Windows 11 после каждого обновления до новой сборки на канале Dev Channel, переходите на Beta или Release Preview Channel. А если у вас эти каналы, но вам не особо важна стабильность работы Windows 11, и вы хотели бы в числе первых быть свидетелями новых возможностей системы, переходите на канал Dev Channel. Как это сделать?
Windows 11 унаследовала от Windows 10 всю кухню инсайдерской программы Windows Insider Program, а это, в частности, три канала программы, на которых поставляются сборки разной степени готовности к использованию:
- Dev Channel – канал разработчиков, здесь поставляются самые ранние сборки с новейшими наработками Microsoft. Это канал для продвинутых пользователей ПК, таких, которые могут справиться с системными багами, ибо сборки на этом канале сырые, неотлаженные, часто нестабильные. И это канал для энтузиастов, которые хотят в числе первых быть в курсе событий в эволюции Windows 11;
- Beta Channel – бета-канал тестирования операционной системы, здесь поставляются сборки, более-менее отлаженные после канала Dev Channel, но они всё ещё могут быть сырыми и нестабильными;
- Release Preview Channel – канал предварительного выпуска операционной системы, здесь поставляются отлаженные сборки. Но это поздние сборки, до них долго идут новые разработки Microsoft. Этот канал являет собой компромисс для тех, кому хочется и системные новинки раньше стабильной ветви Windows 11 получать, и чтобы операционная система работала относительно нормально.
И вот, друзья, если ваш текущий канал инсайдерской Windows 11 вас не устраивает, можете переключиться на другой. Как это сделать?
В системном приложении «Параметры» идём по пути «Центр обновления Windows > Программа предварительной оценки Windows».
Здесь у нас будет указана текущая сборка Windows 11, а при раскрытии параметров инсайдерской программы увидим текущий канал поставки сборок.
И здесь же можем сменить канал при необходимости, просто отмечаем галочкой тот канал, на который мы хотим переключиться.
Далее необходимо запустить проверку обновлений, чтобы обновиться до сборки на новом канале. Такие обновления не всегда доступны сразу, чтобы они стали доступны, может пройти какое-то время.
Но, друзья, так можно сделать при условии, что у нас номер сборки не выше, чем тот, что на канале, на который мы хотим переключиться. Актуальный номер сборки на любом из каналов можно узнать на странице Flight Hub на ресурсе документации Microsoft. И это значит, что в некоторых случаях мы не сможем переключиться с Dev или Beta Channel на канал Release Preview. И тогда нам нужно будет по новой установить Windows 11 Insider Preview и уже в новой системе настроить канал получения сборок Release Preview.
Ещё может быть так, что у вас в приложении «Параметры» по пути «Центр обновления Windows > Программа предварительной оценки Windows» не будет возможности переключиться на другой канал.
В таком случае можно использовать стороннее решение – утилиту OfflineInsiderEnroll с GitHub. Запускаем её от администратора.
И переключаемся на нужный канал инсайдерской программы путём указания цифры. Например, для переключения на Beta Channel вводим 2 и жмём Enter. Далее нужно перезагрузиться, что, собственно, и предложит утилита, и ей нужно ответить либо да вводом «Y», либо нет вводом «N».
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Dev Channel vs. Beta Channel: What’s the Difference?
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How to Switch Between Dev and Beta Channels in Windows 11
With reports that future Windows 11 Dev Channel updates could be unstable for Windows Insiders, you might want to switch to the more stable Beta Channel—or back to the Dev Channel later if you change your mind. Here’s how to do it.
Dev Channel vs. Beta Channel: What’s the Difference?
In the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft describes the Dev Channel as being «for highly technical users,» and that «there will be some rough edges and low stability.» It’s a bleeding-edge release channel for brand new features that haven’t been tested much yet.
In contrast, the Beta Channel delivers more reliable builds that are «validated» by Microsoft, and it’s «ideal for early adopters» who want to try Windows 11 with less risk of crashes, according to Microsoft.
When the Windows 11 Insider Preview first launched in June 2021, Microsoft released the OS only through the Windows Insider Dev Channel. After Windows 11 launched on the Beta channel on July 29, a more stable version became available for people who might want to try it out (although we found the Dev Channel release was very stable to begin with).
How to Switch Between Dev and Beta Channels in Windows 11
First, it’s important to know that the following instructions only apply to Windows 11 installations that are linked up to the Windows Insider program. (At the time of this writing on August 24, 2021, that means all Windows 11 installations—but that won’t always be the case.)
To get started, press Windows+i to open the Settings app. You can also right-click the Start menu and select «Settings» from the list.
When Settings opens, select «Windows Update» in the sidebar.
In Windows Update, click «Windows Insider Program.»
In Windows Insider Program settings, click «Choose your Insider Settings» to expand the menu if necessary.
When the menu drops down, click the circular button beside either «Dev Channel» or «Beta Channel (Recommended)» to select it, depending on your preference.
And that’s all you need to do. The Settings app saves your selection automatically. Close Settings, and from now on, you’ll only get Beta Channel updates.
At any time, you can revisit Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and choose a different option to switch channels again. Happy testing!
Till now, the latest operating system from Microsoft — Windows 11 was available only in the Dev channel. However, that got changed a few days ago as the company has now started releasing Beta builds, which are more stable than the Dev builds.
If you have installed the Windows 11 operating system on your computer through the Dev channel and want to switch to the Beta channel for a more reliable user experience, then you can easily do so from the Settings.
In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to change from Dev channel to the Beta channel of the Windows Insider Program for the Windows 11 OS.
Step 1: Open the Start menu on your computer and type Settings in there. From the search results, select the first app to open the Settings. Alternatively, you can also press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings application.
Step 2: When the app opens, select the “Windows Update” option from the sidebar on the left-hand side.
Step 3: Now, click on the “Windows Insider Program” and then select the “Choose your insider settings” option.
Step 4: Once the pane expands, select the “Beta Channel (Recommended)” option from the list.
That’s it. You are now switched from the Dev channel to the Beta channel. This means that whenever a new update is available under the Beta channel for the Windows operating system, you will receive it.
However, do note that if you have modified the registry on your computer to install the Windows 11 operating system, then you won’t be able to switch from the Settings app and will need to register on the Windows Insider Program page.
Windows 11 was previously available for insiders in the Dev channel only. After doing weeks of testing, the company has finally released the Beta version, which is more stable and dependable. So, if you are already on the Dev channel and want to switch to the Windows 11 Beta build, then this blog post is dedicated to you.
Still, before learning steps on how to switch from Windows 11 Dev to Beta channel, it is very important to understand the difference between both the channels on Windows 11.
Understanding the key difference between Beta channel and Dev channel on Windows 11
Beginning with Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a Windows 10 Insider program, and early adopters who have enrolled in this program receive updates in three different channels Dev Channel, Beta Channel, and Release Preview Channel.
Users can opt for one channel depending on their requirements. Let’s learn more about these channels:
- Dev channel is largely technical so must be used by people who are confident enough about their capabilities in this context. Using this channel, you can easily test out all the recently released Microsoft’s features and upgrades.
- Beta Channel, on the contrary, is suitable for people who are interesting in trying out new features and improvements but don’t want to be bombarded with updates every day.
Since Windows 11 is not officially available and is under development, there is not Release Preview channel available as of now.
If you made up to this line, then it is highly possible that you’re aware of what these different release channels are about, right?
Previously, Microsoft was releasing updates for Windows 11 in the Dev channel due to this reason users who want to try Windows 11 before anyone else left with no choice, but to use install the unstable build i.e. available in the Dev channel.
Now that the first build of Windows 11 in the Beta channel is available, it is wise to switch from Dev to Beta channel so that you can enjoy a better experience.
Update – 24/03/2022 – Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 22581 in Beta Channel to Windows Insiders. Now that Dev and Beta Channels are receiving same build, users now have option to switch between desired channel for Windows 11. You can read here, what’s new in this build.
Fortunately, it is very easy to switch from Windows 11 Dev to the Beta channel. In case, you have already made up your mind, then here’s you can do that:
Press WIN + I key combo to launch the Settings app in Windows 11. Alternately, you can search for the Setting app by clicking the Find icon available on the Taskbar.
Switch to the Windows Update tab available on the left side.
On the right side, select Windows Insider Program options. Doing this will take you dedicated settings page where you will find all the options related to Windows 11 insider program.
Head over to Choose your insider settings and click on it to unlock more options. Here, select Beta Channel (Recommended) from the list.
To apply the changes, you need to reboot your computer.
From now onwards, you will only receive Windows 11 updates when it’s available in Beta Channel.
KEEP IN MIND: This is a limited time windows which will be close once, Microsoft release build with higher number to the Dev Channel. In case, your device stays on the Dev channel and receive higher build number than Beta channel, then in this situation to switch from Dev to Beta channel you will have to clean installation of released version of Windows 11.
At any point, you want to switch Windows 11 Dev Channel from Beta channel, then follow the same procedure, select Dev.
We only suggest you select this option, if you want to test the new feature and share your feedback with Microsoft as a dedicated user. Apart from that, only run Windows 11 Dev channel builds in the secondary devices or virtual machines.
Lots of users reporting that they’re unable to switch between Windows 11 Insider program channels because options to select Beta channel is missing. Check out our post to fix the issue: Fix: Windows 11 Insiders Unable to switch from Dev to Beta channels
Now that, you have switched from Windows 11 Dev Channel to Beta Channel, there are few points to ponder.
- The current release in the Beta channel is Windows 11 build 22581.
- There will be fewer problems and difficulties in the Beta build.
- It is not necessary to reinstall Windows 11 Beta after upgrading from Dev.
- Microsoft Teams Chat option isn’t available in the Beta channel as of now.
Both Dev channel and Beta channel come with their own pros and cons. That said, the Dev channel is surely the right option in case you want to test all the latest features and settings in Windows 11. Beta channel, on the other hand, works well if you are looking for more stability.
Viney Dhiman, the mind behind GeekerMag, is a seasoned content writer with over 12 years of experience. Specializing in simplifying complex tech concepts, he covers Windows OS, Android, iOS, web apps, and product reviews. His work can be found on popular tech websites like Gizmodo and The Verge, and he has been interviewed by the Microsoft Edge team.
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If you didn’t already know, you will be more than pleased to find out that Microsoft has announced the availability of the Beta channel for the 22000.100 preview build of Windows 11.
But how do we switch between these Insider channels? This article contains a full guide on how to perform this action.
Should I switch the Dev channel to Beta?
The advantage of switching to the Beta channel is that you will receive a much smoother experience, and it’s not only for highly technical users, such as the Dev preview.
Our suggestion is to switch as soon as you can if you really want to do so, before the time window runs out.
How do I change from the Dev channel to the Beta channel?
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1. Press the Start button on your taskbar to open the Start menu.
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2. Access Settings from the menu.
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3. Select the Windows Update tab and then click on the Windows Insider Program button.
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4. Click on Choose your Insider settings.
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5. Select the Beta channel from the list.
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6. Restart your device.
Usually, switching from the Dev channel to Beta required a complete operating system re-install. However, according to the Redmond-based tech company, it is possible to switch without reinstalling for a short period of time.
Switching to the Beta channel only requires a quick reboot, after selecting it from the Settings menu. That’s all there is to it. It’s a pretty simple process that will only take up one minute of your time.
What can I do if I can’t change to the Beta channel?
Have you tried switching to the Beta channel but couldn’t? Rest assured that there is no error involved. The main reason for this is the fact that your hardware isn’t compatible.
And you are also not alone. Many Windows 11 Insiders found themselves in a similar situation when trying to change their channels to Beta.
Many are stating that their devices fulfill the necessary criteria for the new OS to function properly but are unable to move from the Dev channel to Beta.
Your best option is to look into upgrading your setup, so that it supports any future versions of Windows 11, and also wait for further updates from Microsoft.
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Can I roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 Beta?
The answer is yes, you can go back to Windows 10, but only under one circumstance. Rolling back is only possible within the first 10 days after installing a Windows 11 build on your device.
After these 10 initial days, which can be considered a trial, you will not be able to roll back anymore. When entering the Settings menu to go back to Windows 10, you will no longer be able to select this option.
If you decided to try out the Beta version but it wasn’t to your liking, all you have to do in order to go back is:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select the System tab and then click on the Recovery button.
- Click on the Go back button.
If you are still within your rights to switch back to the previous version of the OS you were running before installing the Beta channel, the button should be accessible to you.
With all this information in hand, feel free to test the Beta version for Windows 11 and enjoy all its new features. Also, remember to leave feedback for all problems you encounter, to help Microsoft improve the experience.
Have you already switched to the Windows 11 Beta channel? Let us know how it went in the comments section below.
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.