Windows 11 Dev builds will become less stable, Microsoft warns
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Key notes
- If you thought that Windows 11 was a rough experience until now you haven't seen anything yet.
- Although Dev and Beta channel Insiders are testing the same build, Microsoft will kick it up a notch.
- The Redmond company plans to test the first Windows 11 major update, 22H2, through the Dev channel.Â
- Insiders were notified via email about the fact that builds will become increasingly buggy and unstable.
The new OS, Windows 11, is currently in the final stages of testing and it will begin rolling out to compatible hardware in October.
It’s now possible to grab the technical preview builds of Windows 11 by joining the Dev and Beta channels.
However, Microsoft has reportedly warned its Dev Channel members that what they had to deal with until now was just a walk in the park and that more unstable versions are on their way.
Beware! Dev Insiders are about to get more unstable builds
Even though Windows 11 is still in the beta phase, it’s quite stable for day-to-day usage if you can put up with a few issues.
The Redmond company is now planning to focus on the next version of Windows 11 and has now issued a warning to users.
With this new operating system, Microsoft is planning to move to a single annual update cycle.
This means that only one feature update will be released in the second half of the year and the tech giant will continue to release regular monthly updates throughout the year for all users.
At this moment, we’re testing Windows 11 version 21H2 builds which will be released to consumers in October 2021.
Through the Dev Channel, Microsoft is now planning to test next year’s experimental features and improvements, and builds could get pretty buggy.
All this indicates the fact that work on the first major update to Windows 11 has already begun internally.
The next version of Windows 11 is internally called version 22H and it doesn’t seem to have a special codename at the moment.
So prepare, because if you are a member of the Dev channel, in the coming weeks, Microsoft will begin shipping unstable builds.
Microsoft is warning Insiders to switch to the Beta channel
In an email addressed to testers, the tech company recently highlighted the risks of running Dev Channel builds and warned users that they will be provided with buggier builds from the upcoming version of Windows 11.
Insiders are recommended to switch away from this channel if they only wanted to test the first and original version of Windows 11.
At first, you won’t see many noticeable changes or new features in Dev Channel, but these could get pretty rough on some devices.
If you would like to experience more reliable Windows 11 Insider Previews Builds tied to the upcoming release [version 21H2], please move your device to the Beta Channel through the Windows Insider Program Settings.
Keep in mind that the Beta channel will still give you access to all features coming to consumers later this year, so nothing would change if you flip the channel today.
Also worth mentioning is that users in both channels are currently testing Windows 11 Build 22000.160 and they have access to the same set of features.
Naturally, no action is required if you want to test the experimental features that will be released in 2022 with version 22H2.
Are you interested in actively testing Windows 11’s first major update? Let us know in the comments section below.
