Microsoft has made a significant change to its Insider program by splitting its pool of volunteer software testers into two teams.
In an update to their beta channel, both groups will still be able to test the upcoming 22H2 version of Windows 11, but the features each group will have access to will be different.
For some testers, known as Windows Insiders, the build number will be artificially increased. Those lucky enough to get the 22622.xxx build will be able to experience new features, while those who stuck with 22621.xxx will see them disabled in the default code.
That said, most Windows Insiders will get the 22622.xxx update, and those bundled with 22621.xxx will be able to check for updates and then update to 22622.xxx.
New features and fixes in Windows 11
This will allow Microsoft to test the release of updates that have certain features disabled, helping them understand how they can proceed in the future with incremental updates and modifying the code to enable new features.
"By comparing feedback and usage data between insiders from these two groups, we'll be able to see if a feature has reliability issues," the company said.
Dividing its helpers into two groups, "some experts who have already implemented features may see them disappear. These can be recovered by installing an activation package, which the company says is "not ideal."
In its latest version, 22622.290, Windows 11 will prompt users to copy a phone number to make a phone call. The copied dates will also cause the operating system to recommend that users add them to their calendars.
Additionally, 22622.290 also allows OneDrive subscribers to manage their accounts and billing from the native settings menu instead of navigating to the online page. Additional updates include various File Explorer fixes and changes.