With Build 22581, Microsoft has not only released another pre-release version for Windows 11 in the Windows Insider program: the upcoming function update is now also available for the first time in the beta channel of the test program and is thus entering the home stretch of development. COMPUTER BILD explains which innovations are coming to Windows 11 users and who may be left out.
Build 22581: No new features
Exchange window open for insiders
Microsoft has pre-release versions tested in three channels: In the Dev Channel there are experimental functions that are not yet assigned to a specific function update and may even be discarded. The versions in the beta channel are much more stable and are also much closer to the end product – so they usually already contain all the functions of the final version. This then ends up in the Release Preview Channel before finally being distributed to the general public outside of the Insider program.
With the simultaneous release of Build 22581 in the developer and beta channels, a change window will open again for a short time for all Windows insiders: Anyone who has tried out experimental functions in the developer channel but wants to stay with the final 22H2 update can now switch to the beta channel. Conversely, previous beta testers will switch to the Dev Channel if they also want to receive functions in the future that will only appear with version 23H2 next year. As Microsoft announced in the announcement, this window is only open for a short time: it will close again with the next preview version – after that, changing channels is only possible by reinstalling Windows 11. And this is how the switch works:
- On the Start menu, click settings.
- A click follows windows update and if necessary Looking for updates.
- If you haven’t already, run the update to install build 22581. Then repeat this guide.
- click on Windows Insider Program and then up Choose your Insider preferences.
- Then optionally click on Dev Channel or on Beta Channel (recommended) and follow the instructions.
22H2 not for older devices?
With the release of Windows 11 on October 4, 2021, Microsoft dramatically increased the hardware system requirements. In addition to generally increased demands on the processor or memory, a TPM security chip (Trusted Platform Module) and a newer processor are required to install the operating system. While Microsoft left a backdoor to bypass the system requirements, it pointed out that such devices may not receive updates.
Exactly this case could now have occurred with the beta version. Because like Dr. Windows reports that the latest preview version can apparently no longer be installed on older computers. The case described concerns a device in the beta channel, which is denied the update to build 22581. COMPUTER BILD cannot reconstruct this at the moment. A corresponding test PC could be updated there without any problems and also allows the insider channel to be changed. However, the device was previously in the Dev Channel.
22H2 update in autumn or summer?
Microsoft traditionally does not reveal the specific release date for the 22H2 update and only refers to the second half of the year with the name. Because Windows 11 21H2 was released in October, most observers assumed an autumn update for this year as well. However, there have been rumors for a long time that 22H2 could appear in the summer.