An early build of Windows11 is now available in the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program. Here’s how to download it right now.
Windows 11 has gone from abstract concept to official announcement in a matter of weeks, and now you can try out the new operating system for yourself.
Just four days after Windows 11’s big reveal, Microsoft released the first public beta (or Insider Preview, as it calls it) to members of theWindows Insider Program. This testing period provides a crucial opportunity for the company to fine-tune the Windows 11 experience followinguser feedback, ahead of the expected full rollout in October.
The Windows Insider Program is open to everyone with a Windows PC and a Microsoft account, meaning you can try Windows 11 for yourself right now. However, this is an early build – some features may be missing, and bugs are likely. As such, we wouldn’t recommend installing it on your main PC.
However, if you have a spare device available, it’s a great chance to try out Windows 11 ahead of time. Without further ado, here's how to download the Windows 11 beta now.
How to install the Windows 11 beta: Download the update
Once you’re a member of the Insider Program, installing the Windows 11 beta couldn’t be easier:
Head to Settings > Update & Security
From the Windows Update tab, choose ‘Check for updates’
Windows 11 beta
After a few seconds, an update named ‘Windows 11 Insider Preview’ will automatically begin downloading
Windows 11 beta
Once it’s finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your PC. Click ‘Restart now’ to do it straight away
That’s it! Once your PC has installed the update, the Windows 11 beta will be ready to use. Don’t worry, all your apps and files will remain intact.
How to switch from the Dev Channel to the Beta Channel
Until 29 July, the Dev Channel was the only way to get access to preview builds of Windows 11. Microsoft acknowledges that these early versions can have "rough edges", recommending them for "highly technical users".
However, with the latest version now available in the more stable Beta Channel, many people will want to make the switch. Here's how it's done:
From any Windows 11 build, open Settings
In the top-right of the window that appears, choose 'Windows Update'
Under 'More options', click 'Windows Insider Program'
Windows 11 switch Insider channel
You should now see a 'Choose your Insider settings' option. Click it and then select 'Beta Channel (Recommended)'
Windows 11 switch Insider channel
Your Windows 11 PC will now be switched to the Beta Channel. This is a much simpler process than usual, but Microsoft has indicated that it won't be around for long:
We are allowing it for a short period of time. If you want to switch, now is the time. This is mentioned in the blog.
— Windows Insider (@windowsinsider) July 29, 2021
How to stop getting future Windows Insider builds
If you signed up to the Windows Insider Program just to get the Windows 11 beta, you probably won’t want every new release in the Dev Channel. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to turn them off straight away:
From the new-look Windows 11 desktop, click the Settings cog icon in the middle of the taskbar
Windows 11 beta
This now automatically opens in System settings. From the left pane, choose ‘Windows Update’
Click ‘Windows Insider Programme’ (or Program), one of the four main options on screen
Windows 11 beta
From the next screen, click ‘Stop getting preview builds’ and then ‘Unenroll this device immediately’.
For this option to work right now, you’ll need to clean install Windows 10 back on your PC. We’d recommend not doing this, so only download the Windows 11 beta if you know you’ll want to keep it.
Related articles for further reading
Windows 11 news
Why Windows 11 feels too much like a Windows 10 feature update
Will my PC run Windows 11?
Windows 11 looks set to arrive in October 2021
How to get Windows 11 for free
Tags: Windows
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