Test Windows 11 in the browser

In the Windows Insider Programme, Microsoft’s new operating system can already be tested in the browser, although it is not yet officially on the market. Of course, that’s tempting. But it takes a lot of effort to get into the Insider Programme. But give up because of that? Never give up! We reveal the tricks with which you can also test the system with a Windows 11 download!

This is Windows 11

Until a while ago, Microsoft still announced that there would be no real Windows 10 successor, but that there would only be updates. Now, however, Windows 11 is coming onto the market, in all likelihood at the end of 2021 – and users are curious to see what news it has in store! A few things have already become known. For example, instead of the large Windows logo on the desktop, a standard wallpaper now appears as the background. Some applications and features are also new. The floating taskbar, for example, rounded corners on the icons, animated command executions in the Info Centre, and much more. The operating system is supposed to be significantly faster than its predecessor Windows 10, run stably and make working on the PC easier. In addition, the often unloved tiles have been reduced to a minimum and can even be removed completely. All in all, the Windows 10 successor is probably a successful coup by Microsoft – even if there seem to be a few disadvantages. There are reportedly problems with Windows Explorer, and the hardware requirements are quite demanding. Those who still have an older PC should think about buying a new one now.

How to test Windows 11 in the browser?

Officially, there is only a pre-release version that can be tested via the Windows Insider Programme. Annoying – if it weren’t for a clever developer who has made the Windows 11 interface available for testing in the browser on the basis of the JavaScript library React. It is true that the complete Windows 11 cannot be tried out here. But some functions can be controlled so that you can get a first impression of the new operating system. On GitHub you can already see the user interface of the Windows 10 successor. Some pictures in the gallery below show what is possible with Windows 11 and how the fresh design comes across. Clicking on one of the pictures opens a new tab with the picture in large format. And this is exactly where you can download the whole thing to test one or the other Windows 11 function. For example, you can try out the Start menu and the search function. You can also access the Store with a mouse click, and even Edge already works in the pre-release version. A little treat: as with the „real“ version, the widgets can also be moved to the left on the desktop. Of course, not everything works yet. The new settings are not yet activated, nor is Windows Explorer. And the Info Centre still appears in the old style.

Download in the Windows Insider Programme

If you want to test the real beta version, you can start the Windows 11 download as an Insider. The individual steps to do this:

  • Register at insider.windows.com.
  • Sign in with your existing Microsoft account or create a new account.
  • Check the box to agree to the terms of use.
  • On the next page, click on the „Start Flighting“ box.
  • In the Windows 10 settings, go to „Update and security“.
  • Click on „Windows Insider Programme“ at the bottom left.
  • Select the plus symbol to link the Windows Insider account with Windows 10.
  • Select the corresponding e-mail address and click „Next“.
  • Click on the grey field under „Select your insider settings“.
  • Now select „Dev Channel“ in the window to go to the beta version of Windows 11.
  • Next, go to Windows Update and select „Check for updates“.
  • The Windows 11 preview can now be downloaded and installed.

Header image: © Ascannio, stock.adobe.com