Windows 10 build 20277 hits Dev channel Insiders as testing splits

There’s now a temporary split in the Dev channel.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

What you need to know

Windows 10build 20277 is now available for Dev channel Insiders to test and, if you’re paying attention, you may notice that’s thesecondbuild to roll out to the Dev channel today. That’s because Microsoft has, at least temporarily, split the Dev channel in two. Here’s a look at what’s going on.

Starting today, Microsoft is giving Dev channel Insiders the option to start testing builds from the RS_PRERELEASE branch, which is wherebuild 21277 comes in. You have to opt in to testing from this branch, and you’ll continue to receive builds from RS_PRERELEASE going forward if you do.

If you decide not to opt in, you’ll stay testing builds from the FE_PRERELEASE branch, which receives build 20277 today. This is the build that will automatically go out to Dev channel Insiders today unless they opt in to jump on the RS_PRERELEASE branch. In terms of changes, 20277 is much less ambitious, containing just a couple of fixes.

Looking forward, Microsoft says it plans to merge all Dev channel testers to RS_PRERELEASE at some point after the holidays. For now, here’s a look at what’s in the20277 release notes.

What’s new in Windows 10 build 20277

Fixes

Known issues

If you’re already on the Dev channel, you’ll get 20277 via Windows Update automatically. If you’d rather switch to testing 21277, it’s available as a “seeker” experience in Windows Update, meaning you’ll have to manually choose to install it.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter@DthorpLand Instagram@heyitsdtl.