You can try Windows 11 before the release. There is a downloadable preview version for compatible computers. We will tell you how to do it and what to look for.
Six years after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft plans to release Windows 11, the new operating system for PCs, this year. The release is currently scheduled for the fall of 2021, while the exact release date has not yet been announced. Now everyone who wants to see the new operating system has the option to download the preview version. This is a beta version of which all functions are not yet implemented.
Is Windows 11 running on your computer?
Before you think about installing a preview version of Windows 11 on your computer, you should check if the operating system can run it. Unlike previous versions of Windows, this method defines the most stringent computer requirements that a device must meet to run Microsoft Windows 11.
System requirements are not yet fully finalized by Microsoft. However, PCs must meet the following requirements to be compatible with Windows 11:
- Dual core processor with at least 1 GHz and at least two cores (64 bit)
- At least 8th generation Intel processor or 2nd generation AMD Raison processor or Qualcomm processor
- 64 GB of computer memory
- 4GB RAM
- RPM 2.0
- Secure boot enabled
- UEFI enabled
- The hard drive is formatted in GPT
- 720p screen with a minimum diagonal of 9.0 inches
To make sure your own computer meets these requirements, Microsoft has released a small tool called PC Health Check, which Can be downloaded for free online. Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool for this Ennotwin11 Application, which provides highly accurate information about system compatibility.
Become a member of the Windows Insider program
To get a preview version of Windows 11, you need to become a Windows Insider. Someone who can release it in advance to make Microsoft work. Conveniently, every user can register for free for what is called the Insider Program. All you need to start is a Microsoft account.
You can join the Windows 11 Insider program via the website.
Built in: © Microsoft / Screenshot: Run 2021
- Open Website of the Windows Insider program in your web browser and click “Register”.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and accept the Terms of Use.
- Click the “Start Flight” button on the welcome screen to complete the recording
Download the Windows 11 preview
Now it continues directly on Windows 10:
You can join an insider channel under “Settings> Update and Security> Windows Insider”.
Built in: © Microsoft / Screenshot: Run 2021
- Open the “Update and Security” sub-item in “Settings” of Windows 10.
- Click “Windows Insider Program” in the selection bar on the left.
- Now click on “Let’s go” in the right hand window and connect the Microsoft account you previously registered with the Insider program using the Plus icon.
- After clicking on the “Release Preview Channel” link to get a preview version of Windows 11 for your computer.
- Select “Dev Channel” to access the initial version of Windows 11.
- In Windows Update, left-click on the selection bar and then “Check for Updates in the Right Window”.
- If a preview version of Windows 11 is available on your computer, it will be shown to you shortly after, and you can download and install it using the Display button.
Preview versions may be incomplete or unstable
Preview versions of Windows 11 from the Windows Insider program are unfinished beta versions. Not only can these not see important functions, but they can also be incompatible with other programs and crash can not be ruled out. Therefore, you should never install a preview version of Windows 11 on your computer, as you usually rely on for work or entertainment.
Summary
- Windows 11 is expected to be released in the fall of 2021.
- You can already get a preview version of the program.
- To do this, you need a compatible computer, a Microsoft account, and you need to sign in to the Windows Insider program.
- Once you have registered as a Windows Insider, you can join a preview channel under “Settings> Update and Security> Windows Insider” and download the pre-release version of Windows 11.
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.