Microsoft Issues New Windows Insider Preview Build to Dev and Beta

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22616 is heading out to the Dev and Beta channels, but there’s more interesting news: the window that currently allows those in the Dev channel to switch over to the less aggressive Beta channel is about to close, Microsoft says.

Build 22616 arrives with just a few changes and fixes—including a step back from the infamous new Show hidden icons behavior—but some are notable. For example, Windows 11 Pro clean installs will now require a Microsoft account as previously foreshadowed. And there is an early preview of a coming Controller bar for the Xbox Game Bar to test.

Even more notable, the window is soon closing for those who wish to switch from Dev to Beta. And based on the warning, it’s possible that the next Dev build will be different from that of Beta, closing the window. Hey, at least this time they warned us. #neverforget