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Windows 11 is the upcoming operating system from Microsoft, and many users are eager to get their hands on it. Being a part of the Windows Insider Program is a great way to try out new features and provide feedback to help improve the operating system. This blog post will guide you through the steps to become a Windows Insider and get access to Windows 11 before its official release.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Windows 11 Windows Insider
There are several reasons why you may want to join the Windows Insider Program and get Windows 11 early:
- Be the first to experience new features and improvements in Windows 11.
- Provide feedback to Microsoft to help them improve the operating system.
- Get a head start on learning and adapting to the new interface and functionality of Windows 11.
- Stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for the official release of Windows 11.
- Be part of a community of tech enthusiasts who are excited about the latest developments in the Windows ecosystem.
Method 1: Join the Windows Insider Program via the Settings App
One of the easiest ways to join the Windows Insider Program and get access to Windows 11 is by using the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Settings" (the gear icon).
- Click on the "Update & Security" category.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Windows Insider Program".
- Click on the "Get started" button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to link your Microsoft account and choose your Insider settings.
- Once you’ve completed the setup, you will be enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and will receive Windows 11 updates.
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward process.
- No additional software or tools required.
- Updates delivered through Windows Update, making it convenient to stay up to date.
Cons:
- May encounter bugs and stability issues due to the pre-release nature of Windows 11 Insider builds.
- May need to provide feedback and participate in surveys to remain an active Insider.
Method 2: Join the Windows Insider Program via the Windows Insider website
If you prefer a web-based approach, you can also join the Windows Insider Program by visiting the official Windows Insider website. Here’s how:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Windows Insider website: https://insider.windows.com.
- Click on the "Get started" button.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Choose your Insider settings and click on "Submit".
- Once you’ve completed the process, you will be enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and will receive Windows 11 updates.
Pros:
- No need to access the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer.
- Can easily join and manage Insider settings from any device with a web browser.
Cons:
- Requires a web browser and internet access.
- Updates delivered through Windows Update, making it convenient to stay up to date.
- May need to provide feedback and participate in surveys to remain an active Insider.
Method 3: Join the Windows Insider Program via a Registry Hack
If you’re familiar with editing the Windows Registry, you can use a registry hack to join the Windows Insider Program and get access to Windows 11. Here’s how:
- Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "regedit", and hitting Enter.
- Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI. - Create a new DWORD value called "AllowOSUpgrade" and set its value to 1.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Open the Settings app, go to "Update & Security", and click on "Windows Update".
- Click on the "Check for updates" button.
- Windows 11 should now be available for download and installation.
Pros:
- Allows for more control over the Insider program and update availability.
- No need to provide feedback or participate in surveys.
Cons:
- Requires editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly.
- May encounter bugs and stability issues due to the pre-release nature of Windows 11 Insider builds.
Method 4: Join the Windows Insider Program via a Virtual Machine
If you’re concerned about potential bugs and stability issues of Windows 11 Insider builds affecting your main computer, you can opt to join the Windows Insider Program via a virtual machine. Here’s how:
- Download and install a virtual machine software like Oracle VM VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player.
- Create a new virtual machine and configure it with the desired hardware specifications.
- Download a Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
- Install Windows 10 on the virtual machine.
- Follow one of the previous methods (Method 1, 2, or 3) to join the Windows Insider Program.
- Update the virtual machine to receive Windows 11 Insider builds.
Pros:
- Keeps your main computer separate from potentially unstable Windows 11 Insider builds.
- Allows for testing and experimenting with Windows 11 without affecting your daily workflow.
Cons:
- Requires additional software and resources to set up and run a virtual machine.
- Not recommended for users unfamiliar with virtual machine software.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Windows 11 Windows Insider
If you’re unable to join the Windows Insider Program or encounter issues accessing Windows 11 Insider builds, here are a few fixes you can try:
- Check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
- Ensure your Windows 10 installation is up to date with the latest updates.
- Try joining the Windows Insider Program using an alternative method (e.g., via the Windows Insider website or registry hack).
- Restart your computer and try again.
- Check the Windows Insider Program documentation and forums for troubleshooting tips and solutions.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you make the most of your Windows Insider experience:
- Participate in the Feedback Hub to provide valuable feedback and report any issues or bugs you encounter.
- Join the Windows Insider Program subreddit or other online communities to connect with fellow Insiders and get insights and tips.
- Create a backup of your important files and documents before installing Windows 11 Insider builds to avoid any potential data loss or corruption.
5 FAQs
Q1: How stable are Windows 11 Insider builds?
A: Windows 11 Insider builds are pre-release versions of the operating system, and as such, they may have bugs and stability issues. It’s important to understand that these builds are not intended for production use and may not be suitable for all users.
Q2: Can I switch back to Windows 10 after installing Windows 11 Insider builds?
A: Yes, you can roll back to a previous version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10) by using the recovery options available in the Settings app. However, it’s recommended to create a backup of your important files before installing Windows 11 Insider builds to avoid any data loss.
Q3: Can I provide feedback to Microsoft about Windows 11 Insider builds?
A: Yes, Microsoft encourages Windows Insiders to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub app. You can report issues, suggest improvements, and share your thoughts to help Microsoft improve the operating system.
Q4: Can I still use my existing Windows 10 product key with Windows 11 Insider builds?
A: Yes, you can continue to use your existing Windows 10 product key with Windows 11 Insider builds. However, keep in mind that Windows 11 Insider builds are pre-release versions and may not activate with some product keys.
Q5: How often are new Windows 11 Insider builds released?
A: The frequency of Windows 11 Insider builds can vary, but typically, new builds are released on a regular basis. You can check for updates in the Settings app to see if a new build is available for download.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Windows Insider and getting access to Windows 11 before its official release can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you choose to join through the Settings app, the Windows Insider website, a registry hack, or a virtual machine, remember that Windows 11 Insider builds are pre-release versions and may have bugs and stability issues. Providing feedback to Microsoft and participating in the community can help shape the future of Windows 11 and contribute to a better user experience for everyone.