How to get Windows 11 for free now, without waiting for October 5th
How to get Windows 11 for free now
Microsoft is expected to begin the slow release of Windows 11 on October 5th. However, since the new version has already been finalized, you can download it in advance using the Windows Insider Program.The Windows Insider Program is a test program designed to allow developers to discover new operating system features to prepare their own compatible apps. But it is also open to anyone who wants to provide feedback and help build the final version of the new operating system.
The program is available in three different tiers (dev, beta, and channel preview versions of Windows). Since the final version must go through all channels, it is now possible to use the third channel to update a compatible computer before Windows 11 is generally available.
In this guide we will show you the steps to download the final version of the new operating system before the official release on October 5th.
How to install Windows 11 before October 5th
First you need to register your Microsoft account in the Windows Insider Program by visiting this page and make sure you have activated the Optional diagnostic data option in Settings> Privacy> Feedback and diagnostics.Then go to the Settings of your Windows 10 computer:
Go to the Start menu and press the gear icon, or search for "Settings"; Once the Settings are open, go to Update & Security> Windows Insider Program; Click on “Start”; Here Microsoft will ask you to link an account in order to continue, press the + sign to connect the Microsoft account with which you signed up for the Windows Insider Program. Now you will have to choose the channel through which to receive the Preview version: you have to choose the Windows preview versions channel. Now all that remains is to confirm that you accept the security terms and restart the device to complete the configuration.
After restarting:
Go to Settings; Select Update and security> Windows Update and check for updates in order to download and install Windows 11. The message "The update to Windows 11 is ready, and it's free" will appear and you will have to click on "Download and install"; Then you will be asked to restart the device to ensure that the update is installed. Once these steps have been completed, Windows 11 will be installed on your computer.
If the Windows 11 update does not appear in Windows Update, you can try switching to the Beta Channel to be able to download the update. However, if you receive a message in your settings that your computer will not be able to run Windows 11, you will not be able to use these methods to upgrade.
To change the Windows Insider program settings, open Settings and go to Update & Security> Windows Insider Program. In the section "choose Insider settings" select the Beta Channel. After reboot, go to Windows Update and install Windows 11.
How to get the free Windows 11 upgrade early
After months of testing, Microsoft is releasing the final version of Windows 11 to its Release Preview channel today. It’s the final step before it’s released more broadly to existing devices on October 5th. If you don’t want to wait until October 5th, you can switch to the Release Preview in Windows 10 today and get the free Windows 11 upgrade early.
Here’s how to upgrade to Windows 11 early:
Once you’ve successfully upgraded to Windows 11, you can then head into Settings > Windows Update and select “Stop getting preview builds” to unenroll from the preview updates for Windows 11 and remain on the final version.
Microsoft has also released ISO files for the final version of Windows 11, build 22000.194. You can download the ISO file, which will allow you to clean install Windows 11, from Microsoft’s Windows Insider website.
