Windows 12: you can test it in advance thanks to Windows Canary

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Image source: Computer Bild

Microsoft, the technology giant, is making significant modifications to its Windows Insider program in preparation for the launch of Windows 12. The program, which was launched alongside Windows 10, allows users to download and test upcoming versions of the operating system in advance. With Windows 12 on the horizon, Microsoft has announced major changes to the program. Which includes the introduction of a new channel for testing very fresh versions of the OS.

Users will be able to test Windows 12 through the Canary

Microsoft’s Windows Insider program is a crucial part of the company’s strategy to develop and release new versions of its Windows operating system. The program allows users to download and test upcoming versions of the operating system. Before they are released to the general public. This helps Microsoft identify and address issues with the operating system. Before it is officially released, improving its stability and performance.

The program has undergone significant changes since its inception with Windows 10. The latest update to the program introduces the Canary channel. Which allows users to test the newest and potentially most unstable versions of the operating system. This channel is similar to the beta and developer versions of web browsers. Which offer users early access to new features that are still in development.

Currently, the program has several release channels. And members can choose one depending on how early in development they want the release to be. The Beta channel and the Release Preview channel allow testers to try out stable versions of new features. However, the latest update to the program introduces the Canary channel. Which allows users to test the newest versions of the operating system. These versions are likely to be unstable and come with little documentation.

Microsoft has warned that the Canary channel can offer new versions with significant changes for the platform, such as changes to the Windows kernel or new APIs. The company also cautioned that some new features introduced in this channel may never see the light of day for the general public and could be abandoned during development. As a result, users who choose to test the Canary channel should expect to encounter unstable performance. And potentially unusable versions of the operating system.

Microsoft prepare to launch Windows 12

The introduction of the Canary channel hints at the arrival of Windows 12. As significant changes to the Windows kernel require a new name for the operating system. The timing suggests that Microsoft intends to offer the first builds of Windows 12 in this new channel. Users who were in the Dev channel and had received a version of Windows 11. With build 25000 will be automatically migrated to the Canary channel. While Microsoft will send an email to notify affected users.

Despite the introduction of the Canary channel, Microsoft maintains that the Dev channel is still vital for testing new features that may never see the light of day. However, the company confirmed that the Dev channel will test new functions intended for Windows 11. Contradicting its earlier statement that the channel is not aimed at any particular version of the operating system.

The new design of the Insider program serves as a foundation for launching tests around Windows 12. Which will focus heavily on AI. The launch of Windows 12 will not take place before 2024. The significant changes to the Insider program suggest that Microsoft is ramping up its efforts. To develop a stable and robust version of the operating system.