After revealing last week that Windows 11 gets a bigger-than-usual update in February with Android apps, taskbar enhancements and more, Microsoft is now detailing its plans to test Windows 11 in 2022. The software maker says it plans to experiment more with features for Windows 11 tester evaluation that may never be delivered.
“As part of this ongoing evolution, Insiders will see us leaning more heavily on the Dev Channel as a place to incubate new ideas, work on long-term elements, and monitor the status of individual characteristics,” explains Amanda Langowski, Windows presenter. Insider program. “In some cases, these concepts will never be delivered, but by experimenting more, we can better refine the experience and provide solutions in Windows that really enable our customers to achieve more.”
We’ve seen some A / B tests like this before, in which a subset of Windows Insider will get access to a feature before Microsoft releases it more widely to testers. However, there may be variations in features in the future that will not be fully documented by Microsoft. Many Windows enthusiasts look for new features every time Microsoft releases a new version, using flags in the operating system to enable hidden features and see what Microsoft is experimenting with.
“We also acknowledge that some of our more technical insiders have found that some features are intentionally disabled in the compilations we’ve flown,” Langowski said. “This is a project and in these cases we will only communicate about features that purposefully allow insiders to try and give feedback.”
Testing the Dev Channel for Windows 11 will now really be the place where experimental features appear, leaving the beta channel to include features that are closer to what will be delivered to everyone. This may mean that new features are even displayed first in the beta channel if they are closer to delivery.
Now Microsoft plans to give Windows 11 testers a window where they can switch from Dev Channel to Beta Channel to avoid the more experimental features that are on the way. This is likely to coincide with the launch of features in February, including support for Android apps, taskbar changes, and redesigned Notepad and Media Player apps.