There are two classes of people in the world of cutting-edge Windows Insider preview builds: the haves and the have-nots. Microsoft is now extending this dual nature from the unstable Dev Channel to the more reliable Beta Channel while clearly stating which group you belong to.
There is nothing particularly noteworthy about Windows 11 Insider Preview Builds 22621.290 and 22622.290 for the Beta Channel. The AI-driven “recommended actions” from May’s Dev Channel release are really only transferred to the Beta Channel, which is a step down from the Release Preview Channel, by the latest builds.
However, Dev Channel testers are aware that not all users can access the features that Microsoft “releases” in the Dev Channel. Microsoft often divides the release into two groups, with just one getting to test the new features. And you can never predict which group you’ll belong to. The divided nature is now now making its way into the Windows 11 beta release, albeit with signposts.
The “haves” and the “have-nots” are shown by the two recent releases. You’ll get the new features, according to Build 22622.290, but not according to Build 22621.290. The fifth digit, which we have highlighted, is crucial since it shows that you will have access to the additional capabilities. However, Microsoft is also stating that you may download the build that does, by checking for updates inside the Windows Update part of the Settings menu, if you don’t have access to the new capabilities.
There is just one issue. Even with the build version that is meant to have the new features, Microsoft is reserving the discretion to delay turning them on. Not all features will be turned on right away with this update, the firm writes in a blog post, since “we aim to roll them out and monitor comments and see how they land before rolling them out to additional Insiders.”
Because Microsoft is using this split path to “help us validate our ability to release updates with features turned off by default,” it appears that the company is saying that you will be able to override Microsoft’s decision about whether you can test out new features but that Microsoft will be able to override your decision about when you receive those features. It might be tough to use Windows at its cutting edge.
