See Microsoft’s blog post for more details about the four channels and how to switch to a different channel. If you were in the Dev Channel prior to March 2023, you have likely been moved to the Canary Channel. The Beta and Release Preview Channels also receive bug-fix builds for the currently shipping version of Windows 11. It’s meant for final testing of an upcoming release and is best for those who want the most stable builds.

The Release Preview Channel typically doesn’t see action until shortly before a new feature update is rolled out.

This channel is best for early adopters, and Microsoft says your feedback in this channel will have the most impact.

In the Beta Channel, you’ll get more polished features that will be deployed in the next major Windows release.

This channel is best for technical users and developers and builds in it may be unstable and buggy.

The Dev Channel is where new features are introduced for initial testing, regardless of which Windows release they’ll eventually end up in.

This channel is best for highly technical users. Little documentation is provided, and builds are likely to be very unstable. These changes are not tied to a particular Windows release and may never ship at all.

The Canary Channel (new in March 2023) is where platform changes (such as major updates to the Windows kernel and new APIs) are previewed.The Windows Insider program is divided into four channels: The company frequently rolls out public preview builds to members of its Windows Insider Program, allowing them to test out - and even help shape - upcoming features. The WindUpdate has been released, but behind the scenes, Microsoft is constantly working to improve the newest version of Windows.

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