Microsoft Windows 11 Preview: How to download it on your PC right now

Microsoft Windows 11 preview download: Microsoft has not yet announced the exact Windows 11 release date except to say it will be in the fall sometimes (October, November). However, a new leaked poster is saying it may be as soon as on October 20, 2021. Be that as it may, you can still download Windows 11 latest version on your PC right away and try it out provided you have the right hardware. Here’s how to download a Windows 11 preview using the Windows Insider program.

Windows 11 (Microsoft)

Microsoft took the wraps off Windows 11, the first major new version of its widely used desktop operating system last week. While the company has not made the final version of the Windows 11 operating system available yet, users can actually download the upgrade much earlier to try out the next version on their computers. Unlike the previously leaked build, which Microsoft had advised users to avoid installing on their computers, this build has been officially released by the company itself. However, do remember that you may run across some glitches as this will not be the final version.

Windows 11 is currently available to users who have signed up for Microsoft's Windows Insider program, the company's software testing program where it allows users to try out early versions of its software before the official release. Here's what you need to know about joining Microsoft's testing program to try out the upcoming Windows 11 operating system.

How to sign up for the Windows Insider program

In order to access the Windows 11 test build, users will have to sign up for the Windows Insider program. Windows 10 allows users to run an “offline” Windows account, without signing into a Microsoft account. If you are one of these users, you will need to first sign in to your Microsoft account, then go to the Windows Insider webpage and register for the program.

How to download Windows 11 preview on your computer

You can now visit your Settings app and check your account settings for a setting related to the Windows 11 Insider program that should appear. It's worth noting that there are three versions of Windows 11 to download there – Dev, Beta and Release Preview. However, at the moment, users will only be able to select the Dev channel since this is a very early build. Once you have done so you can simply go to Windows Update and check for any available updates.

Will my PC be compatible with Windows 11?

Windows 11 has a controversial set of system requirements, which means that your computer might not be able to run the operating system if it does not match specific criteria. Devices must have support for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, and run on relatively newer computer processors in order to work properly with Windows 11. You can download Microsoft's Health Check tool that will inform you whether your PC will be compatible with Windows 10.

Should I download Windows 11 Insider Preview?

If you are installing Windows 11 on your personal computer that you use for important daily tasks, you should probably wait until the OS is released in beta form. Insider Preview versions of Windows are sometimes buggy and rough around the edges and your daily device should not be running software that has not been completely tested for bugs. If you do have an unused spare device that is compatible, you can try out the build without issues right away.