Microsoft finally lets Windows 11 testers unlock experimental features without ViVeTool

Microsoft is yet allowing Windows 11 testers to get entree to experimental features without having to download a third-party app for illustration ViVeTool. The changes are portion of making the Windows Insider Program (WIP) less confusing, pinch Dev and Canary testing rings simplified into a caller Experimental Channel alongside a refresh of the existing Beta Channel.

Microsoft has been utilizing a exertion called Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) for years now, to gradually rotation retired caller features to each Windows 11 users. While this is an manufacture standard, it’s often frustrating to effort and get entree to experimental Windows 11 features and recognize that Microsoft is A/B testing the cool point that conscionable sewage announced and you’re not connected the list. Microsoft main group merchandise head Alec Oot moreover admits that the unpredictability often intends “you don’t get the caller features that motivated galore of you to subordinate the Insider programme to statesman with.”

You usually person to download ViVeTool and find the characteristic ID you request to alteration to get entree to recently announced features, but that won’t beryllium the lawsuit anymore. Windows Insiders successful the caller Experimental Channel will now beryllium capable to alteration aliases disable circumstantial features done a caller Feature Flags page successful the Settings app. The refreshed Beta Channel will besides nary longer person a gradual rollout of features.

“We will commencement by enabling Feature flags for visible caller features announced successful WIP,” says Oot. “This intends little visible changes announced successful WIP, for illustration bug fixes and strategy improvements, whitethorn not beryllium coming successful Feature flags.” Microsoft wants feedback connected the rollout of this caller characteristic flags setting, and it’s apt that Windows enthusiasts will proceed to find concealed unannounced changes to Windows 11 that will still require the usage of ViVeTool — but astatine slightest you won’t beryllium missing retired to A/B testing erstwhile the features are official.

The simplified channels for Windows 11 testing are besides different much-needed change. I travel Windows testing connected a play basis, but it’s often been confusing to fig retired what caller features are appearing crossed Beta, Dev, and Canary channels.

“For astir Insiders, picking the Beta aliases Experimental transmission will beryllium each you request to get group up, but for those who want to spell further, we are adding an precocious action to prime your Windows halfway type compatible pinch your hardware,” explains Oot. “The Experimental transmission will besides incorporate a further Future Platforms option, which is our earliest preview build for Windows and is not aligned to a unit type of Windows.”

This caller Future Platforms action is designed for Windows enthusiasts and developers who want entree to the very latest trial builds of Windows 11. It sounds for illustration the Experimental Channel will beryllium the champion action for those wanting to trial caller features arsenic they appear, while the Beta Channel will beryllium a much unchangeable type of what will past move to Release Preview earlier being rolled retired to each Windows 11 users.

Finally, Microsoft is besides making it easier to move betwixt different testing channels aliases extremity participating successful Windows Insider builds altogether without having to reinstall Windows 11. “We’re making immoderate behind-the-scenes changes to alteration Insider builds to usage an in-place upgrade (IPU) to hop betwixt versions,” says Oot. “This will let successful astir cases Insiders to move betwixt Experimental, Beta, and Release Preview connected the aforesaid Windows halfway version, aliases time off the programme without a cleanable install.”