Microsoft is delivering the final version of Windows 11 to its Release Preview channel today, following months of testing. It's the penultimate stage until October 5th, when it'll be made available to all current devices. If you don't want to wait until October 5th, you may update to Windows 10 Release Preview now and obtain the free Windows 11 upgrade.
Here's how to get a head start with Windows 11:
- Use Microsoft's PC Health App to verify if your PC is compatible with Windows 11. (download here).
- To obtain the Windows 11 update early, you'll need to register as a Windows Insider on Microsoft's website if your PC is supported.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program on your current Windows 10 PC.
- To become a Windows Insider, click the Get Started button and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to sign up.
- Select the Release Preview ring when prompted to choose your Insider settings.
- After you've confirmed and agreed to Microsoft's conditions, restart your computer.
- Return to Settings > Update & Security, and a new banner with the optional Windows 11 update should appear.
- To acquire Windows 11 early, go to the download and install option and follow the steps.
After successfully upgrading to Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and choose “Stop getting preview builds” to unsubscribe from Windows 11 preview updates and stay on the final version.
Microsoft has also published ISO files for Windows 11, build 22000.194, the final version of the operating system. From Microsoft's Windows Insider website, you may obtain the ISO file that would allow you to clean install Windows 11.