While the final version of Windows 11 is expected to be
released in the fall this year or early next, the Insider
preview release – targeted at Windows fans and experts who
understand the risks involved in downloading unfinished
software – is now available today!
The first preview build of Windows 11 is Build 22000.51 and it
comes with several new features teased during the event. It
comes with a new Windows Settings app, redesigned Start Menu,
Action Center, new taskbar, floating Windows Search, and a
bunch of other UI improvements:
- New File Explorer: The existing Explorer has been updated
with a modern, clean look and a brand-new command bar.
Microsoft has also redesigned context menus that appear when
you right-click in File Explorer. - Themes: In addition to light and dark mode, Windows 11 now
comes with additional colourful themes. - Sounds have been recreated for Windows 11.
- Windows Widgets, multitasking and more.
How to get started
Before getting started, remember that Windows will go through a
lot of changes when you start downloading and installing the
preview build. The first public beta may have system-breaking
bugs and it’s recommended to take a backup if you’re installing
Windows 11 on your primary PC.
Microsoft recommends that you install it on a secondary PC or
virtual machine where compatibility checks are bypassed by
default.
How to download Windows 11 Build 22000.51
If you still want to go ahead, here’s what you need to do:
- Open Settings -> Update & security -> Windows
Insider Program. - Click Get started.
- Sign into your Microsoft account.
- Choose the Dev channel and reboot.
- Visit the same Windows Insider program and make sure “Dev
channel” is selected. - Open the Windows Update page and check for updates.
- Once the preview build is available, go to Update &
security -> Windows Update -> and check for updates.
Make sure you have a machine that meets the minimum system
requirements. Some processors and hardware configurations can
block users from installing the preview, but you can
bypass requirements like TPM 2.0 by modifying the registry
during the clean installation.
Microsoft has also confirmed a few known issues in the first
public beta of Windows 11.
For example, Taskbar may not be shown across multiple monitors
but will return in an upcoming build.
If you want to roll back to Windows 10, it is recommended to
download the media image of version 21H2 and clean install the
operating system. You can leave and join the Insider program at
any time.
