How to Change Windows Insider Channel On Windows 11 – Guide

Flighting is the process of running Windows Insider Preview builds on your device. By running these early versions of Windows and providing feedback to Microsoft, you can help Microsoft shape the future of Windows. Once you enroll in the Windows Insider Program, you can run Insider Preview builds on as many devices as you like, each on the channel of your choice.

What is the difference between the internal channels?

Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft started the Windows Insider Program. The company is currently updating three separate groups or “channels”. There is the Dev Channel, Beta Channel, and Release Preview Channel. However, at the time of writing, the Windows 11 Insider Program does not include a release preview channel. The Windows Insider Program allows users to test new features and updates before they are released to the general public. Users can join one of three channels: the Dev Channel, Beta Channel, or Release Preview Channel. The Release Preview Channel was added in Windows 10 Update 3 (the Fall Creators Update), but is not available in the Windows 11 Insider Program at this time. ..

Windows 11 Insider builds are available through the beta channel, which offers more frequent updates and access to new features and improvements. The main difference between the Dev and beta channels is that you can only get Insider builds through the beta channel if you have registered for it. If you want to try out new features as they are released, then the best option is to use Windows 11 Insider builds that are available through the Dev channel. ..

Windows 11 Dev Channel is ideal for highly technical users who want to be the first to access the latest versions of Windows 11 early in the development cycle. There will be some rough edges and low stability, but it’s worth it for the latest code. ..

The downside to getting the latest features faster is that your test machine may be less stable. ..

Windows 11 beta builds are ideal for early adopters who want to get the most reliable and up-to-date software. Your feedback has the biggest impact here, so please give us your thoughts on what you would like to see in future builds.

This is the channel you want if you don’t mind waiting for a more reliable OS version to test on a secondary PC.

Switch to Insider Channel on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers a variety of ways to change the Insider channel. To start, click on the Start button and then click Settings. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I to launch Settings.

When the Settings page opens, click Windows Update at the bottom of the list in the left pane. Then click Windows Insider Program on the right.

If you are running Insider Preview Build 17134 or higher, you can choose to have your PC join the Fast ring or the Slow ring. ..

Now, click on the channel you want to be on. Note that you will need to restart your machine for the changes to take effect.

Installing Insider builds on secondary PCs or a test VM is not recommended. Even if you’re on a slower channel, the OS code under development is still the same. Testing new features and possible future work scenarios (for admins) is important, but be aware that changing the rate at which your PC receives the code can be risky. ..

After installing Windows 11 on your test machine, be sure to read up on some of our tips on how to move the start button and taskbar, or how to add a user account. ..

Final note

Windows Insider is a program that allows users to test new features and updates before they are released to the general public. If you want to change your Windows Insider channel, this guide will show you how. ..