Windows 10 users can now try Windows 11 for free. Here’s how to join the Windows 11 Insider Program from Windows 10 with just a few clicks.
Windows 11 is the major upgrade in recent years. It comes with many improvements in terms of performance and stability. Of course, the significant change everyone’s looking forward to is the new and uplifted user interface. Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11’s UI is refined, consistent, and doesn’t look boring. Especially with the rounded corners, colorful icons, and new design language.
If you are running Windows 10 and want to try Windows 11, you can sign up for the Windows 11 insider program. This allows you to try out Windows 11 for free.
This quick and easy Windows guide lets me show you how to sign up for Windows 11 insider program from Windows 10.
Things you should know
Before signing up for Windows 11 insider program, there are a few things you should know. They are as follows.
> On Windows 10, you should be using an online account. i.e., a Microsoft account to sign in.
> A Microsoft account is required to join Windows 11 insider program.
> Your Windows 10 should be activated and genuine. Otherwise, you might be able to use all the features of Windows 11.
> Your computer should be compatible with Windows 11’s system requirements. Prominently, your system should support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
> The upgrade process from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is smooth, and all your applications and files will stay intact. Of course, if a program is blocking the upgrade process or incompatible, Windows 11 might remove it as part of the upgrade process.
> Once you install Windows 11 insider build, there is no safe way to go back to Windows 10 or a stable Windows 11 build. i.e., you cannot downgrade. You have to reinstall the OS completely.
> Due to the nature of insider builds, they will be buggy and unstable. So, keep that in mind while signing up for Windows 11 insider builds.
Sign up for Windows 11 insider program from Windows 10
To become a Windows 11 insider from Windows 10, follow the steps detailed below.
First, make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account in Windows 10. Next, open the Settings app with the “Start key + I” keyboard shortcut. In the Settings app, go to the “Update & Security > Windows Insider Program” page. Here, click the “Get Started” button on the right page.
You will be asked to link a Microsoft account. So, click on the “Link an account” button.
Select your Microsoft account from the “Let’s get you signed in” screen and click the “Continue” button.
Now, you will be asked to pick an insider channel. Microsoft offers three insider channels. They are as follows:
Dev Channel: If you want to be on the cutting edge and try new features before anyone else, this is the channel for you. Keep in mind that this channel gets frequent updates and will be pretty buggy causing system stability issues. If you are adventurous, try this build.
Beta Channel: This channel gets builds already tested by the Dev channel insiders and validated by Microsoft. This channel receives newer builds less frequently, but they will be more stable while giving you access to the latest features. Once a feature hits the Beta channel, the probability of it making it to the final release is higher.
Release Preview: This channel gets builds that are ready for the main stable channel that regular users install and use. This means newer builds are way less frequent, but they are much more stable than the Dev or Beta channel. Join this build if you want to preview what’s coming in the next big upgrade.
Pick the channel of your choice. I chose the Beta channel because it gives me the best of both worlds. i.e., features, frequent updates, and reasonable stability. Click the “Confirm” button to continue.
Click the “Confirm” button again.
Finally, click the “Restart now” button. This action will restart the system to make necessary changes.
After restarting, Windows 10 will automatically check for newer Windows 11 builds according to your selected channel. If the update finds any new builds, it will download and install them.
Keep in mind that the initial Windows 11 download and upgrade will take some time to complete. The complete time will depend on your system and applications. Once done, you will automatically boot into Windows 11. As I said earlier, all your applications and files will stay intact through the upgrade process.
Stop getting Windows 11 insider builds
If you no longer want to get Windows 11 insider builds, do the following.
Open the Settings app and go to the “Windows Update > Windows Insider Program” page. Expand the “Stop getting preview builds” section and click the “Unenroll this device immediately” option.
This action will stop all future Windows 11 insider builds. However, the current build installed in your system will stay as is. If you want to move to a stable build, you have to reinstall the OS.
That is all. It is that simple to join Windows 11 insider program in Windows 10.
I hope that helps.
If you need help or have doubts, comment below. I will try to help as much as possible.
