If you want to install insider preview builds of Windows 11, you have at least two options, and in this guide, weâll show you how for devices already running Windows 11 or even Windows 10. As part of the Windows 11 development, you can enroll a device in any of the three available channels of the Windows Insider Program, including Dev, Beta, and Release Preview. Although installing these pre-releases of the operating system is safe, you will find some hiccups depending on the channel you choose.
The âDev Channelâ is for more technical users since previews are rough and contain a lot of bugs. Usually, these builds are unstable, you will encounter errors and problems, and you may have to use workarounds to resolve issues.
The âBeta Channelâ is for anyone who wants to test upcoming features or validate apps. The builds in this channel are somewhat stable, but you may still run into issues. Also, features in this channel are typically those expected to ship in the final release of Windows 11.
Lastly, the âRelease Preview Channelâ offers the final build of the next version of Windows 11 before it is available to everyone, with advanced quality updates and certain key features.
This guide will teach you the steps to enroll a device and install the latest preview build of Windows 11.
- Install Windows 11 insider preview build from Windows Update
- Install insider preview build of Windows 11 from ISO
Important: Itâs never a good idea to install preview builds on your primary machine. The best approach is to use a spare computer or virtual machine.
Install Windows 11 insider preview build from Windows Update
In the Windows Insider Program, you can enroll any computer that uses Windows 11. However, if you have a computer running Windows 10, the device must meet the minimum hardware requirements.
Windows 11
To enroll and install preview builds of Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the Get started button.
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Click the âLink an accountâ button.
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Sign in with your Microsoft account.
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Select the program channel, including âDev,â âBeta,â or âRelease Preview.â
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Click the Continue button.
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Click the Continue button again.
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Click the Restart button.
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Open Settings after the restart.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the âCheck for updatesâ button.
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Click the âDownload & installâ button (if applicable).
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Click the Restart button.
Once you complete the steps, the pre-release of Windows 11 will install on the computer, giving you access to experimental and upcoming features.
If a new build becomes available, itâll download and install automatically. However, you can always force the update from Settings> Windows Update and click the âCheck for Updateâ button.
Windows 10
To enroll and install preview builds of Windows 11 on a Windows 10 installation, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Windows Insider Program.
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Click the Get started button.
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Click the âLink an accountâ option.
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Sign in with your Microsoft account.
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Under the âPick your Insider settingsâ section, select the âDev Channelâ option.
Quick note: The latest Windows 11 preview build will only download if your computer meets the system requirements.
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Click the Confirm button
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Click the Restart button.
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Open Settings after the restart.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the âCheck for updatesâ button.
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Click the âDownload & installâ button (if applicable).
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Click the Restart button.
After you complete the steps, the computer will be upgraded to the latest preview of Windows 11 from the specified channel.
Install insider preview build of Windows 11 from ISO
You can also perform a clean install or upgrade a new Windows 11 insider build using an ISO file. This process will enroll the computer in the Windows Insider Program automatically.
To install a Windows 11 insider preview build from ISO, use these steps:
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Download the latest Windows 11 insider build ISO.
Quick tip: You can also download the ISO from the UUP Dump website.
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Right-click the ISO file, and select the Mount option.
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Select the virtual drive from the left navigation pane.
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Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 21H2 installation.
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(Optional) Click the âChange how Windows Setup downloads updatesâ option.
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Select the âNot right nowâ option.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
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Click the âInstallâ button to upgrade or the âChange what to keepâ option and select the Nothing option to perform a clean installation.
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Select your region setting after the installation on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
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Click the Yes button.
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Select your keyboard layout setting.
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Click the Yes button.
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Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
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The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. If you have a wireless connection, you must set up the connection manually (a security key may be required).
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(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.
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Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
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Select the âSet up for personal useâ option if you are configuring Windows 11 Pro. The âHomeâ edition does not have this option.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Sign in button.
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Confirm your Microsoft account email, phone number, or Skype identification to create an account.
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Click the Next button.
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Confirm your Microsoft account password.
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Click the Next button.
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Click on âView more options.â
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Choose the âSet up a new deviceâ option.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Create PIN button.
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Create a new four-digit PIN.
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Click the OK button.
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Confirm the privacy settings by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Next button again.
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Click the Accept button.
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(Optional) On the âLetâs customize your experienceâ page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and service customizations during this experience.
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Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.
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Click the Skip button for the Android phone link process.
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Click the âNextâ button to automatically upload your Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders to OneDrive. Or Select the âOnly save files to this PCâ option.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Decline button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup.
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Click the âSkip for nowâ button to skip the Game Pass subscription promotion.
Once you complete the steps, the installation of the preview of Windows 11 will install on your computer.
Although the installation process will be virtually the same on every release, the out-of-box experience (OOBE) may be slightly different depending on changes the Windows teams may implement.
While the setup using a preview build of Windows 11 should enroll the device automatically, itâs also a good idea to check that the device is actually enrolled in Settings> Windows Update> Windows Insider Program.
If you prefer to perform a clean installation, the process is the same as installing the official stable version of the operating system from USB.
FAQ
Is it safe to install Windows 11 insider previews?
Yes, itâs safe to install Windows 11 preview builds, but you should know a few things. These preview builds are not complete, and theyâre still under development, so bugs and errors are expected. You should never install an insider preview as your primary operating system. Also, creating a backup is recommended in case you need to roll back to the previous version.
Can I switch from insider builds to the stable channel of Windows 11?
Yes, when you upgrade to any available preview builds of Windows 11, you can roll back to the previous version during the first ten days of the original installation. If itâs been more than ten days or multiple build updates, you will have to roll back using a clean installation of the stable version of Windows 11 or 10.
How do I stop getting Windows 11 insider previews?
To stop receiving Windows 11 insider builds, open Settings> Windows update> Windows Insider Program, click the âStop getting preview buildsâ and turn off the âUnerolled this device when the next version of Windows releasesâ toggle switch. You will continue to receive builds, but once the new version of Windows 11 becomes available, the computer will gracefully opt out of the program.Â
Do I need to activate Windows 11 to use insider previews?
Yes, you need to activate any installation of Windows 11, including those from the Windows Insider Program. If you enroll a device running Windows 11 or 10, the system will use the existing license to activate the installation. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a product key to activate the setup. If you donât activate the installation, you may still be able to use the operating system, but with limited functionalities.
How do I install new Windows 11 insider previews?
Once you enroll the device to the Windows Insider Program, new builds will download and install automatically through the âWindows Updateâ settings. You can always force the upgrade from Settings> Windows Update, and then click the âCheck for updatesâ button and click the âDownload & installâ button (if applicable).