Skip to main content

Microsoft just made it easier to officially download Windows 11

Microsoft just made it easier to download Windows 11. You can now clean install beta versions of the new operating system, or update Windows 10 to Windows 11, on any compatible PC by using an official ISO file.

To get the official Windows 11 ISO file, you’ll need to sign up to be a Windows insider via Microsoft’s website. Once your account is linked, you can visit the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page and choose either a Dev Channel or Beta Channel build to download.

Laptop sitting on a desk showing Windows 11's built-in Microsoft Teams experience.

When choosing, keep in mind that the Dev Channel gets updated more frequently, but the Beta channel is more stable but won’t come with the latest feature. You can then create installation media either on a USB flash drive or CD, as we describe in our handy guide.

Microsoft is currently offering the ISO files for the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22000.160 as a download. This means that you can use the files to “clean install” the operating system on any compatible PC, without having to go through the long process of joining the Windows Insider program in Windows 10.

Of course, you’ll need a valid Windows 10 license to activate Windows 11 if you opt to use this ISO. You also can double-click the ISO file once it’s downloaded to open it up and launch an updater to easily move your existing machine to Windows 11.

If you’re using the ISO file to upgrade or clean install a Windows 11 PC, this build should get you all the major Windows 11 features so far. That includes the newly redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar, as well as the new chat app and Microsoft Teams integration.

Those coming from Windows 10 will also get more ways to multitask. And, if you opt for the Windows Insider Dev Channel, you’ll get some new app updates, such as the new Alarms experience. This comes with “Focus Sessions,” which is designed to help you to focus at work using timers, as well as a Spotify integration.

Microsoft also teased a new Paint app for Windows 11, which should be coming soon to Windows Insiders. So, downloading this ISO file and using it to install the new operating system is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the latest and greatest from Microsoft.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
The new Windows 11 Backup App takes another cue from the Mac
The Windows Backup App against a blurred background.

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview includes a new Backup App that functions in a similar fashion to Time Machine in macOS.

The backup app will allow for more regular backups of most apps, settings, and data in Windows 11. This will allow for easier restore abilities, as well as the ability to transfer data to a new PC, NotebookCheck noted.

Read more
Microsoft teases design overhaul of major Windows 11 app
windows 11 taskbar third party app pinning

Microsoft teased a design overhaul that is coming to the Windows 11 File Explorer app in a future update at its Build developer conference this week.

The new File Explorer design is based on WinUI 3 and will modernize the app's folders, sidebar, address bar, and search bar to be more in tune with the overall Windows 11 style. This will bring to File Explorer a look and feel with more rounded and blurred designs, as well as mouse and touch optimizations, Windows Central noted.

Read more
The Windows Copilot puts Bing Chat in every Windows 11 computer
Copilot in Windows being used in the side panel.

Announced at Microsoft Build 2023, Windows will now have its own dedicated AI "copilot" that can be docked right into a side panel that can stay persistent while using other applications and aspects of the operating system.

Microsoft has been highly invested in AI over these recent months, and it was only a matter of time before it came to Windows. The time is now -- and it's coming in a big way.

Read more