Microsoft officially confirmed the existence of Windows 11 during a June event.
It came as a relief after months of leaks and speculations from multiple outlets across the web.
Some months later, Microsoft announced that Windows 11 would officially roll out to the wide public on October 5th.
However, you mustn’t wait for that long to get access to the update’s latest version.
Very few people know, but you can install Windows 11 right now, all for free!
The Process
In order to perform the update, you must first check that your system is compatible with Windows 11.
Hardware requirements were the main complaint with the launch of Windows’ new operating system.
To check your system specification, you can download and run the PC Health App from Microsoft.
Once you ensure that your rig can run Windows 11, you have to register for the Windows Insider Program.
At the moment, the upgrade to Windows 11 is only available to insiders, unfortunately. However, the good news is that the Insider program is entirely free.
You only have to follow the steps on Microsoft’s website to sign up.
After joining the Windows Insider Program, you are ready to install the new OS.
To commence the process, on your computer, go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Insider Program.
Click on “Get Started” and link your Microsoft account. At that point, you should be prompted to pick your insider settings, from where you have to pick the Release Preview option.
Then you must review and confirm your settings and reset your computer.
When you re-enter the Update & Security tab following the same steps you did earlier, you should see a huge banner prompting you to install Windows 11. You can then click on Download and Install.
After you complete the upgrade, you can remain on the final build of Windows 11 by navigating to Settings -> Windows Update and clicking on “Stop getting preview builds.”
Selecting that option will stop the company from pushing early versions of future updates on your computer.
Highlights
Windows 11 brings some changes to the user experience. First, there’s a centered Taskbar plus a redesigned Start menu, an enhanced File Manager, a custom Widgets drawer, plus Snap Groups and Snap Layouts made to boost multitasking and productivity.
The settings app was completely redesigned, new themes and sounds were added, and the OS has an overall rounded look (corners are mostly gone).
The final public build will be released on October 5th. If you don’t feel like upgrading for the moment, you can do so after the final build is released, as long as your computer is compatible with the OS.
