Windows 11 is now available as a preview release for Windows Insiders, offering a first glimpse at Microsoft’s operating system that will succeed Windows 10.
The release, which was announced on Monday afternoon through Microsoft’s official Windows Blog, isn’t surprising – the firm has previously stated that it will be released this week – but it is still sooner than most expected.
“As we complete the product over the coming months, we will engage with you to confirm the experience,” the company stated in a statement to Windows Insider programme participants. In this early peek, you’ll get to check out many, but not all, of the new features we demonstrated last week.
More capabilities, such as Microsoft Teams Chat and Android applications in the Microsoft Store, will be available in the coming months as they become available – we are just getting started on this adventure together!”
Microsoft Office Insiders may now download freshly designed Office programmes including Word and Excel, giving them a more cohesive look. Windows Insiders using ARM-based PCs may also check out a new 64-bit Office for Windows on ARM, according to the firm.
The system requirements for Microsoft Windows 11 are emphasized
Microsoft also provided further details on the Windows 11 minimum system requirements, in addition to the Insider Preview build of Windows 11 and new preview builds of Office applications.
This is primarily due to “misinformation” regarding the firm’s PC Health Check product. “”We admit that, based on the input we’ve received so far, we weren’t entirely prepared to offer the degree of detail or accuracy you expected from us on why a Windows 10 PC doesn’t fulfil upgrade criteria,” Microsoft stated. We’re deleting the app for the time being so that our teams can respond to the comments.”
Instead of the PC Health Check software, Microsoft updated its Windows 11 minimum system requirements website to reflect what you’ll need to get the new OS up and running on your PC whenever it’s launched.
Minimum system requirements for Windows 11
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 720p, 8-bit per color channel, at least 9-inch diagonal
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Account: To complete the initial, first-use setup of Windows 11 Home, or to move a device out of Windows 11 Home in S-mode, you’ll need an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account.