It’s been a long time coming, but Microsoft is finally unveiling Windows 11. The latest version of the operating system is due to release later this year, but power users can get into the Windows 11 beta starting next week. Even better, just about anyone is eligible for beta access. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
How to get the Windows 11 beta on your PC
To get the Windows 11 beta on your PC, you need to be a member of the Windows Insider program. Simply register for Windows Insider, making sure to provide valid Windows account credentials. After that, you’ll be eligible to receive Windows 11 beta access when it becomes available.
It’s worth reiterating that only Windows Insider participants will get into the Windows 11 beta. Everyone else will have to wait until the full operating system launches later this year. As for the beta, Microsoft says it will launch next week, putting the release date at either the end of June or the beginning of July.
You may notice that the Windows Insider program operates at different tiers, called Channels. Three of them — Canary, Selfhost, and Microsoft — are internal; they’re intended for developers and Microsoft employees. The other three — Dev, Beta, and Release Preview — are open channels that other users can use to get beta access.
Before you sign up, it would be smart run the Windows 11 PC Health Check. This tool will let you know if your PC hardware is compatible with the new operating system before you waste time loading a beta. It’s a bit finicky, too: Loads of users are having to enable TPM, turn on Secure Boot, or even adjust administrator privileges just to pass the test.
Assuming your computer has enough grunt to run Windows 11, the rest should be easy. You’ll become eligible to get into the Windows 11 beta simply by becoming a Windows Insider. Beta access is set to open up next week, so if you want to be among the first to try out the new OS, better to sign up sooner rather than later.
