Microsoft released an email alerting Windows Insider Program users that unstable and buggy preview builds will soon start rolling out in the Dev Channel. While the email didn’t mention the reason, we know it’s because testing for the next big release of Windows 11, version 23H2, is about to begin.
As you probably know, Windows 11 is now serviced with an annual update, and this time a critical update is mostly used to add new features. Later this year, Microsoft will begin rolling out the operating system Anniversary Update (the first update) called “Version 22H2.”
While beta channel testers will continue to get 22H2 builds, Dev channel testers will be moved to a new branch to help the company shape Windows 11 23H2 builds and future releases. Most of the upcoming changes in the development channel next will be pushed to consumers with Windows 11 23H2 release.
Of course, Windows 11 version 23H2 is still in the early stages of development and won’t have any new features initially, but as the company pulls a more differentiated version from an active development branch, users will likely experience a bunch of glitches, including Blue screen errors in some cases. Microsoft reminds testers that if they don’t want to test buggy builds, testers need to move to the Beta channel as soon as possible.
“If you want to experience a more reliable build…please move your device to the Beta channel via the Windows Insider Program settings, remember, the 23H2 version is a different version of Windows 11, after an upgrade, users can’t downgrade easily To version 22H2. In other words, if you ignore the warning and stay on the Dev Channel, then you’ll need to do a clean install of a released version of Windows 11 on your device in order to switch to the Beta Channel in the future.
That said, Windows 11 23H2 is in a very early stage of development, and the initial release includes both new known issues and bug fixes for existing issues. Don’t expect anything too exciting from the Windows Insider program just yet, but build 23H2 will be another big release with a major tablet-oriented experience and UI improvements, according to sources.