Microsoft splits the Windows Insider Program into three channels going forward

Microsoft has announced that it has made some changes to the initiative that acts as a beta program for the Windows 11 operating system. This Insider Program, which may be familiar to many tech fans, will take on an updated identity (new icon and all) as it moves forward with new channel names and functions.

They now consist of the Dev, Beta and Release Preview channels. Of these, the former is now slated to offer cutting-edge features fresh from Microsoft's engineering teams. Then again, this means that some features and tweaks involved might never see an official build.

Regardless, Microsoft notes that the Beta channel might be the one to see new changes first; therefore, they might be more likely to see a corresponding stable Windows 11 release. The Beta and Dev channels may also acquire Feature, Web, and Online Service Experience Pack overlays as necessary.

This leaves the Release Preview channel, which might contain more polished, general-public-ready versions of the same features. Accordingly, Insider Program members are advised to pick a new channel to stick with in the long term with care. Microsoft has also announced that details on an upcoming grace period to switch from Dev to Beta will be forthcoming over the next few weeks.