Windows 11 Insider Preview Beta Channel Moves to a Single Build
- Paul Thurrott
- Oct 10, 2023
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Microsoft is transitioning the Beta channel of the Windows 11 Insider Preview program to a single build number for each release. But don’t worry, it will continue to bifurcate the Beta channel artificially by delivering new features using its Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology.
The latest Beta channel build is 22635.2419 (KB5031463), and it will be provided via an enablement package (eKB) to all users with PCs enrolled in that channel. Those who wish to get new features “gradually” (really, randomly) should enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as possible” switch in Windows Update. And those who do not shouldn’t be in the Insider Program in the first place.
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Basically, not much has changed. Instead of having two Beta channel builds, there will now be one build, with some users getting new features (via that toggle) and some not. Over time, all new features introduced to this channel will appear for everyone, but those who enable that toggle will usually get them more quickly.
All this said, today’s build comes with no new features. It’s just there to get everyone on the same build number. But if you are in the Beta channel and have been getting the “no new features” build, you will start seeing features appear over time that were made available earlier, like the Windows Ink in the shell and the new Copilot icon in the Taskbar.
And there are some fixes, including yet another round of bug fixes for my nemesis File Explorer. You can expect that work to continue well into the future, but any step forward for reliability is appreciated.