If you, like us, have too much ants in your pants to wait for the end of 2021 for the full Windows 11 experience, don’t worry — Microsoft has a solution that will assuage your impatience. The Redmond-based tech giant released a Windows 11 preview build on Monday, but it’s only available to Windows Insider members.
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How to download Windows 11 preview build
First, you must determine whether your PC meets the minimum requirements of the Windows 11 preview build. Although the Windows 11 CPU requirements page (opens in new tab) rejects 7th Gen Intel CPUs and AMD Zen 1 processors, Microsoft is backpedaling. “As we release to Windows Insiders and partner with our OEMs, we will test to identify devices running on Intel 7th generation and AMD Zen 1 that may meet our principles,” Microsoft said in a statement on Monday. In other words, Microsoft is expanding its minimum requirements to include older-generation processors for now; it will review the feedback from the Windows 11 preview build before giving its final say on system requirements. Typically, prospective Windows Insider members could use PC Health Check to determine their system eligibility, but Microsoft announced that it removed the app temporarily while it irons out the minimum requirements; PC Health Check will be back online this fall. If you have an Intel 7th Gen or AMD Zen 1 CPU, don’t worry. You’ll still have a chance to test the Windows 11 preview build and offer your feedback. You can find the revised Windows 11 requirements here. (opens in new tab) Join the Windows Insider Program The Windows Insider Program is a community that beta tests new Windows features that Microsoft is poised to roll out to all users. Keep in mind that some builds released in the Insider Program may be buggy and negatively affect your PC. Follow the instructions below to get started.
- Click here, hit “Register” and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Read the “Preparation” section to ensure your laptop is ready for the Windows Inside Program
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program > Get Started
- A window titled “Pick Your Insider Settings” will appear. Click on “Dev Channel” and select “Confirm.”
- A new Window will appear informing you that Microsoft will collect data from your PC. If you agree, click “Confirm.”
- Click on “Restart Now.” When the restart is completed, your PC will be linked to the Windows Insider Program. Download Windows 11 preview build
- Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program
- Click “Check for Updates.” After a minute or two, the Windows 11 preview build download will kick off. Be patient! The installation process is lengthy.
- Your PC will eventually reboot to the next-generation OS. Congratulations, you have Windows 11 ready for testing. The full version of Windows 11 is expected to hit all PCs during the holiday season. For more Windows 11 news, check out our coverage below.
Windows 11 news
Windows 11 Taskbar and Start Menu get a modern remake — Here’s how they workWindows 11 Search Bar: What changed and what didn’tWindows 11 gets revamped UI — see how the design changed from Windows 10Windows 11 promises longer battery life for laptops, 40% smaller updatesWindows 11: Your guide to Microsoft’s next Windows OSMicrosoft Teams to be integrated into Windows 11 — What that meansWindows 11 makes multitasking a breeze — how it worksWindows 11 revamped the touch keyboard — and it operates just like your phoneWindows 11 new widget design is cleaner and comes with drag and drop simplicityWindows 11 will be a free upgrade from Windows 10Windows 11 includes a new Microsoft Store — this could be big
