Microsoft fixes Windows 11 bug preventing Insiders from moving to Beta Channel

Windows 11 Install
Windows 11 Install (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft fixed a bug that prevents Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel from seeing the option to switch to the Beta Channel.
  • Builds in the Beta Channel are generally more stable than Dev Channel builds.
  • The current build available for Beta Channel Insiders does not include the Chat app powered by Windows 11.

If you're experiencing the bug, you won't see an option to sign up for Beta Channel Insider builds. Instead, you'll only see the option to stop getting preview builds.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

To fix the issue, you can follow these steps from Microsoft:

  1. Click on Start
  2. In the search box, type cmd
  3. In the lower right of the search results, under Command Prompt, click Run as Administrator
  4. On the UAC prompt, click OK
  5. At the elevated command prompt, type: bcdedit /set flightsigning on
  6. Press Enter
  7. At the elevated command prompt, type: bcdedit /set {bootmgr} flightsigning on
  8. Press Enter
  9. Reboot the device

After following these steps, you'll see the option to become a Beta Channel Insider.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Beta Channel builds are generally more stable than those in the Dev Channel. They'll still contain some bugs and issues but are a less risky way to try out Windows 11. The build currently available for Beta Channel Insiders doesn't have the Chat app powered by Microsoft Teams. That app should arrive in the coming weeks for Beta Channel Insiders.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.