After only making previews of Windows 11 in the Dev Channel, Microsoft is now also releasing builds in the Beta Channel for those who would like to test a more stable version of the upcoming OS.
The Windows Insider Program features three readiness levels: Dev, Beta, and Release Preview Channels. The “Dev Channel” is for highly technical users since previews are rough and contain many bugs. Usually, these builds are not stable, you will encounter errors and problems, and you may have to use workarounds to resolve issues.
On the other hand, the “Beta Channel” is for anyone who wants to test upcoming features or validate apps and deployments. The builds in this channel are more stable, but you may still run into issues. Also, features in this channel are usually the ones that will be part of the final release. Finally, the “Release Preview Channel” offers the final build of the next version of Windows 11 before it is available to everyone, with advanced quality updates and certain key features.
Usually, switching from the Dev to the Beta Channel is not allowed since it builds on each channel below a different development cycle. However, when the company makes available the same preview in the different channels, it’s possible to change the readiness levels without reinstallation.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to change your device’s Windows Insider Program channel from Dev to Beta without the need for reinstallation. (See also this video tutorial explaining the steps.)
Change Insider Preview channel from Dev to Beta on Windows 11
To change from Dev to Beta Channel on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the Windows Insider Program page on the right side.
Windows Insider Program -
Click the Choose your Insider builds setting.
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Select the Beta Channel option.
Windows 11 change to Beta Channel
Once you complete the steps, the device will continue to receive previews of Windows 11 but from the Beta Channel, which includes more stable builds.
At the time of this writing, Microsoft allows users to switch from the Dev to the Beta Channel by simply changing the settings. However, if the option is grayed out when you are reading this guide, then it means that the builds in the channels are different, and the switch is no longer allowed. If this is the case, you will need to reinstall the OS and enroll the computer in the preferred Insider channel.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].