Microsoft makes available the first preview of Windows 11 for devices enrolled in the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program. The preview is the same build 22000.100 that the company recently made available in the Dev Channel. The difference is that the release is more stable, it does not include the Teams integration, and only computers with compatible hardware can install this preview of Windows 11.
Although this flight does not introduce new features or changes, it’s a welcome release for those who would like to test the upcoming version of the OS without many of the bugs or problems usually available with builds in the Dev Channel. Also, since the improvements available in the Beta Channel are tight to the next release of Windows, it gives us a clearer picture of the things that are expected to ship with the final version.
However, unlike the builds available in the Dev Channel, you will need a computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements to install previews of Windows 11 available in the Beta Channel. This means that you will need a device featuring an 8th Gen Intel or newer or an AMD Ryzen 2000 or more recent processor, 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage, TPM 2.0, and secure boot to test previews in this channel.
If you have a device in the Dev Channel, Microsoft is allowing for a short period to switch to the Beta Channel without the need to go through the usual reinstallation process. However, if you are comfortable in the Dev Channel, there’s no need to switch channels since the latest improvements will always be available in the Dev Channel.
In the case that you are new to the Windows Insider Program, you can always enroll the computer by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program, clicking the Get started button, and following the on-screen directions to join the Beta Channel.
