Microsoft has announced the closure of the Windows 10 Beta testing channel, marking the end of a brief revival that began earlier this year. The decision was revealed in the latest Windows 10 build 19045 update, which was shared in the company’s usual blog post format.
The Beta and Release Preview channels received the same build for Windows 10 version 22H2 simultaneously, but this will be the final Beta channel release for the operating system. Microsoft stated, “The Beta and Release Preview channels will receive the same Windows 10 build today, just like we’ve been doing since June. However, this will be the last time we release a Windows 10 build to the Beta channel as we will shut down the Beta channel for Windows 10.”
From now on, testers who were part of the Beta channel will be transitioned to Release Preview builds.
A final update and a divisive change
The 19045 build includes bug fixes and a small tweak to the Start menu in the Beta channel. Microsoft’s last feature addition introduces “suggestions” (essentially advertisements) for apps from a select group of developers in the Microsoft Store. While this change may irk some users, you can turn off these suggestions by going to Settings > Personalisation > Start and turning off the “Show suggestions occasionally” option.
Windows 10 approaches the finish line
The Beta channel for Windows 10 only returned in June 2024, providing a short-lived platform for active development. Its closure signals Microsoft’s intent to wind down its focus on the operating system.
With Windows 10 set to end support in just 11 months, the company appears to be preparing for users’ eventual transition to Windows 11 or alternative platforms. Future development for Windows 10 will be minimal, limited to bug fixes and minor updates in the Release Preview channel.
While Microsoft could still surprise users with unexpected updates, the focus is shifting away from Windows 10. If you’re still using the older operating system, now is the time to plan your next steps. Whether you upgrade to Windows 11 or explore other options like a Linux distribution, it’s wise to prepare for the end of official support.
