Windows 11 Insider preview available now — here’s how to get it

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11 is here — for the daring few that is. Microsoft just released the first preview build of Windows 11 for those in the Windows Insiders program. And while that means you're getting the earliest access to the newest generation of Windows, you're also taking some risks by doing that.

As Microsoft itself revealed in a Windows blog, this new version has some of the new hyped features — such as the new Start menu, Taskbar and Notification Center, as well as redesigned — but it's not feature-complete. The big integration for Microsoft Teams in chat, as well as Windows 11's Android apps and many design changes, aren't there yet.

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Wondering what makes the Windows 11 Insider preview a beta? Well, Microsoft's known issues list includes such oddities as "When upgrading a device with multiple user accounts to Windows 11, Settings will fail to launch."

How to get the Windows 11 Insider preview

Consider "getting ready" as Step Zero. Before you join the Windows Insider Program and download the Windows 11 beta, you should prepare your PC for it.

First, check that your system can support it. Here are the basic system requirements:

CPU: a 1 GHz or faster dual-core or higher processor on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 64 GB
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: A greater than 9-inch display of 720p or higher

Confused about what a TPM is? Well, you can see if your PC has a TPM and meets other system requirements with our guide.

Then, back up your system with one of the best cloud backup services. You don't want to lose data because you were risky, do you?

1. To get Windows 11 right now, you'll need to be in the Windows Insider Program, which can be joined via the web.

Windows 11 insider how to step 2: Click Start — (Image credit: Microsoft)

2. Alternatively, you can join via Windows 10, first click the Start Menu.

Windows 11 insider how to step 3: Click Settings — (Image credit: Microsoft)

3. Then click Settings.

Windows 11 insider how to step 4: Click Update & Security. — (Image credit: Microsoft)

4. Then tap Update & Security.

Windows 11 insider how to step 5: Windows Insider Program — (Image credit: Microsoft)

5. Select Windows Insider Program from the left menu.

Windows 11 insider how to step 6: Get Started — (Image credit: Microsoft)

6. Select Get started. If you're already enrolled, you can skip to Step 8.

Windows 11 insider how to step 7: Link an account — (Image credit: Microsoft)

7. Click Link an account.

Windows 11 insider how to step 8: Select your Microsoft account — (Image credit: Microsoft)

8. Select your Microsoft Account to link. Don't have a Microsoft account? Make one here.

Windows 11 insider how to step 9: Dev Channel — (Image credit: Microsoft)

9. Select Dev Channel and hit Confirm.

Follow the subsequent prompts and you'll be on your way to Windows 11.

Read next: Windows 11 will let you sideload Android apps

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Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.