How to Switch from Windows 11 Dev Channel to Beta Channel Without Losing Data

Earlier last week, Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Build 22581 for Insiders. However, unlike the usual release cycle, this version of Windows 11 has been released in the Dev and Beta channels. As a result, users have a brief window to switch from the Windows 11 Dev Insider Channel to the Beta Channel without performing a clean install. If you planned to leave the dev channel due to bugs or performance issues, read on to learn how to switch from Windows 11 dev channel to beta channel without losing data.

Switch from Windows 11 Dev to Beta Channel without a clean install (2022)

Update to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22581

As mentioned above, Microsoft offers a temporary window for users to switch from the Dev channel to the Beta channel. To get started, make sure you're on Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22581 . Open the Settings app and go to Windows Update to check for updates and upgrade to build 22581. After updating to this build, see the next section for step-by-step instructions on how to upgrade from channel Windows 11 Developer to Beta Channel.

Moving from the Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel to the Beta Channel

1. Open the Settings app using the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut "Win + I" and switch to the "Windows Update" page from the left sidebar. Once there, click on “Windows Insider Program” to access the Insider channel settings.

2. Next time, click "Choose your Insider settings" to change your Windows 11 Insider channel.

3. From the drop-down menu, choose "Beta channel (recommended)" , and that's it. You have now successfully upgraded to the Windows 11 Insider Beta Channel. You can go back to the Windows Insider program settings page to confirm that the channel now shows "Beta" instead of "Dev" . You don't necessarily need to restart your PC. Going forward, you will receive updates as soon as new builds are released in the beta channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I leave the Windows 11 dev channel?

Breaking out of the Windows 11 dev channel usually involves performing a clean install. However, Microsoft currently offers a short window where you can upgrade to the beta channel without losing your data. If you're here after a few months, you can check out our guide to installing Windows 11 cleanly.

Q: Is the development version of Windows 11 stable?

As the name suggests, Windows 11 Dev build is for developers and early adopters. You will often encounter crashes and bugs if you are on the Windows 11 Dev Insider Channel. version or to the beta channel.

Q: What is the difference between Dev and Beta channels in Windows 11?

The Windows 11 Dev Channel is for experimental features that could potentially be added to the stable version of Windows 11. The Beta Channel builds are relatively more stable than the ones you get in the Dev Channel.

Switch to Windows 11 Beta Channels to reduce bugs and crashes

So that's all you need to know to upgrade to the Windows 11 beta channel right now. If you've been hesitant to move from one Insider channel to another because of the time it takes to start all over again, now is a good time. You can access the beta channel and test new features at a slower pace without losing data. In the meantime, if you've installed Windows 11 on a PC that doesn't meet the official system requirements, check out our guide on how to remove the "System requirements not met" watermark.