The Windows Insider program is getting some news for its release channels from Microsoft’s operating system previews. The announcement was made on the Windows Blog, where Amanda Langowski, leader of the Windows Insider program, revealed the news that will arrive soon for the community. The highlight is undoubtedly the new Canary channel, aimed at users with highly technical knowledge.
In addition to the new Canary channel, the Dev channel is being revamped, and according to Amanda Langowski, it will bring “new features and long-term experiences in development.” Below we will explain better regarding these two news that are coming to the participants of the Windows Insider program.
O novo canal Canary no Windows Insider
According to Microsoft, the new Canary channel was created to receive preview versions of Windows containing changes to the operating system that require more time to be released in the stable version of Windows 10 and Windows 11. The company says that in the Canary channel Big changes will be applied, for example in the Windows kernel, new APIs, etc. These changes are similar to what is offered on the Dev channel, and some experimental features may never be released to the general public in future builds of Windows.
According to Amanda Langowski, Windows builds that are released in the Canary channel will have higher numbers than those made available in the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channel (starting with builds in the 25000 series). Insiders who are already receiving these builds will be moved to the Canary channel and will receive a notification of this change. This includes commercial computers configured in the Dev channel on 25000 series builds that are managed by IT administrators through Windows Update for Business policy, Microsoft Intune, or through Group Policy.
Keep in mind that builds that will be uploaded to the Canary channel will be released shortly following they are created. According to Microsoft, they will have few documents published by the company and will not go through many validations. The user will be able to find in them critical problems that can affect the correct functioning of the computer and, in some cases, need the operating system to be reinstalled.
Reworked Dev Channel
Much of the positioning of the Windows Insider Dev channel remains the same. In this channel new ideas will be tested, bringing new features and ideas that are not tied to a specific version of Windows. It may happen that some concepts will never be released, but at the same time, other functionality may appear in future versions of Windows for the general public.
There will be times when the Canary channel will receive features and experiences before the Dev channel. However, the Dev channel will have a more stable version of Windows, which is why Microsoft recommends that most Insiders join this channel. Furthermore, it is said that from now on the Dev channel will receive builds of the 23000 series.
Which channel to choose on Windows Insider?
Microsoft encourages all Windows Insiders to re-evaluate the most appropriate channel for receiving test builds of the operating system. The company says that “if you are an Insider on the Beta Channel and want to be closer to the latest new features and experiences”, it is currently recommended that you choose the Dev channel.
Note that switching channels on Windows Insider is not allowed to receive builds with smaller numbers. If so, you will need to perform a clean install of Windows 11.
Check below what are the initial series of Windows builds for each channel:
- Canal Canary: série 25000.
- Dev channel: 23000 series.
- Beta channel: 22000 series.
- Release Preview: Released versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11
Insiders who will be automatically moved to the Canary channel but want to use the Dev channel will need to do a clean install of Windows 11.
How does Microsoft describe Windows Insider Channels in 2023?
As there have been changes to Windows Insider Channels in 2023, as you can see above, Microsoft describes each of them as follows:
- [NOVO!] Canary Channel: Ideal for highly technical users. Preview the latest platform changes early in the development cycle. These builds can be unstable and are released with little or no documentation.
- [REFEITO!] Dev Channel: Ideal for enthusiasts. Access the latest Windows 11 preview builds as we incubate new ideas and develop long-term features. There will be some rough edges and low stability.
- [Inalterado] Canal Beta: Ideal for first time users. These Windows 11 builds will be more reliable than our Dev Channel builds with Microsoft validated updates. Your feedback has the biggest impact here.
- [Inalterado] Release preview channel: ideal if you want to preview fixes and certain key features, as well as optionally get access to the next version of Windows before it’s available to the world. This channel is also recommended for business users.
