The new version of Microsoft’s operating system is now available in a preview. Find out how to install it on your machine without waiting for the final grind to come out.
On June 24, Microsoft presented the new version of its operating system. Windows 11, which includes many new features, benefits from a completely redesigned interface, focusing on openness and productivity.
Microsoft’s new OS, which should be offered for free as an update for Windows 10, will officially be released by next fall, perhaps sometime in October if we are to believe the few hidden clues ‘left Panos Panay, the boss of Microsoft products, during the presentation of Windows 10.
While waiting for the arrival of the stable version of the Microsoft OS, it is already possible to test the new iteration of Windows. This requires signing up to Microsoft’s Insider program. After having published a few weeks ago the first build Windows 11 for developers, Microsoft put online a few days ago the first beta version of its new OS that can be installed today to get a taste of what the new system has in store Microsoft’s operating system.
But before that, it will be necessary to make sure to have a machine whose configuration meets the criteria imposed by Microsoft to install Windows 11. Moreover, this pre-version still under development is in principle reserved for the developers. It is therefore very likely that it has some bugs and other instabilities.
Therefore, do not install it on your main machine and always make backups of your documents before if you plan to install it.
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What are the minimum system requirements
To be able to install Widows 11 on your computer, it must be equipped with a 64-bit processor and clocked at 1 GHz or higher, with at least two cores. Microsoft released the list of processors Intel and AMD that will install Windows 11 (if your processor is not in one of these two lists, you can stop there, your PC will not be able to receive Windows 11).
It will also be necessary that the machine embeds 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of minimum storage space, a TPM 2.0 module and that it be equipped with a UEFI system compatible with Secure Boot. It will also have to integrate a graphics chip or a DirectX12 compatible SoC.
How to check if your machine will be compatible?
If you are in doubt, unfortunately you will not be able to rely on the PC Health Check application that Microsoft made available to check if your PC is compatible. It has been withdrawn by the American giant, and will not be put back online until later.
You can still turn to this third-party application, which is more efficient than Microsoft’s, to find out if you can install Windows 11 on your computer.
How do I join Microsoft’s Insider program?
Before launching its new stable versions of Windows, Microsoft offers the possibility of testing them with a view to making corrections and improvements. These tests are carried out with small groups of users. To participate, you must become a member of Microsoft’s Insider program, an option available to all Windows users.
To test Windows pre-versions, Microsoft offers several test “channels”:
- The Dev Channel, which makes it possible to test very recent Windows updates in the development cycle and which can therefore be very unstable, therefore reserved for seasoned users.
- The Beta Channel (recommended), which allows you to test more stable Windows updates to take advantage of future features first.
- The Release Preview Channel, which allows the next version of Windows to be tested in its stable version, before it is officially released to all users.
To ensure that you install a version of Windows 11 that is the most stable and least prone to bugs as possible, it is better to prefer the Beta Channel. Here’s how to install it.
1. Join the Insider program
Click the Start menu, go to Windows 10 Settings, and click Update & Security.
In the left column, enter the Windows Insider Program section and click the Start button.
To continue and be able to join the Insider program, you must sign in a Microsoft account. Then click on Link an account.
If your Microsoft account is already signed in, select it, or sign in another Microsoft account that you want to use and click Continue.
2. Select the update channel
After your Microsoft account is signed in to the Insider program, a window will appear for you to choose an update channel.
Choose the Beta Channel and click the Confirm button.
The following window explains that as an Insider testing a new version of Windows, Microsoft will collect information from your PC, and that this pre-release version of Windows may be prone to bugs.
Click the Confirm button to complete your enrollment in the Insider program.
Then click Restart Now to restart your computer and save your preferences.
3. Update your PC
Once your PC has restarted, click on the Start menu, enter Windows Settings, and go to the Updates and security menu.
In the left column, make sure you are in the Windows Update section. Then click on the Check for updates button.
You should be offered the Windows 11 Insider Preview update. Start the download and wait for the update to be uploaded to your machine.
After the Windows 11 download is complete, click the Restart button.
Your PC should restart and finalize the installation of the Windows 11 Insider preview.