Microsoft has recently announced the release of a fresh build for Windows Insiders, specifically for the Beta Channel. The build, Windows 11 version 22635.2700 (KB5031452), unusually, does not introduce several new features or enhancements, as is customary with these updates.
Implication for Beta Channel Insiders and Testing Phase
In the official blog release, Microsoft discussed updates related to the bifurcated testing phase. The Beta Channel insiders are notified that they will no longer receive two separate builds for testing.
“REMINDER: All Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will now be on the same build (Build 22635.xxxx) via an enablement package. For Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel who want to be the first to get features gradually rolled out to you, you can turn ON the toggle (shown in the image below) to get the latest updates as they are available via Settings > Windows Update. Over time, we will increase the rollouts of features to everyone with the toggle turned on.”
Bifurcation, in this context, refers to the sharing of one entity, in this case, software builds, into two distinct entities for the purpose of testing. The end of the bifurcation testing means all Beta Channel insiders will now work with the same build, in this case, Build 22635.2700.
This enablement package, as Microsoft terms it, allows the Beta Channel Insiders to receive features on a gradual basis, if they choose. The insiders can activate a toggle function to receive the latest updates immediately as they become available under Settings > Windows Update. Over time, Microsoft plans to escalate the rollouts of new features to insiders who activate this function. Alternatively, insiders who choose to keep the toggle function off will receive new features over time once deemed ready by Microsoft.
Normally, updates are divided into two categories for Beta Channel builds: new developments and enhancements that are being gradually made available for those insiders who have activated the toggle. The second category relates to new features and fixes that are applicable to all people in the Beta Channel.
Bug Fixes, Known Issues and Updates
This latest release was not focused on new features or improvements. However, Microsoft notes that one significant change is a bug fix to the Snipping Tool on Arm, a computing technology that supports operating systems like Windows. For this specific build, Microsoft emphasized that no immediate or new features are set to release to the insiders who activated the toggle. The main focus remains primarily on generally addressing the known issues and enhancing performance.
