Microsoft is putting an end to the confusion surrounding the Dev and Canary channels in the Windows Insider Program. From now on, there will be a single experimental channel.
The Windows Insider Program will soon look completely different with a new channel structure and more control for testers. Microsoft aims to end the confusion and frustration surrounding feature rollouts.
Single channel replaces Dev and Canary
The biggest change is the ‘Experimental Channel’, which replaces both the Dev and Canary channels. Microsoft acknowledges that the existing structure was too complex and that testers often didn’t get access to announced features quickly enough. With the new channel, the company wants to make it clearer what users can expect and when.
Toggle features on or off yourself
A notable new feature is the ability to manually activate or deactivate features via a new ‘Feature flags’ page. This gives testers control over which functions they want to try out.
Microsoft is addressing one of the biggest frustrations: features that are announced but not available to everyone. This phased rollout will disappear completely in the Beta channel. Whatever is announced there will be immediately available to everyone who installs the update.
Focus on flexibility and experimentation
Within the experimental channel, there will also be a ‘Future Platforms’ option, intended for testers who want to try the latest platform changes. At the same time, the Beta channel remains as a more stable testing environment for features that will be rolled out soon, while Release Preview is maintained for near-final updates.