Windows 11 download: How to skip the wait and get Microsoft's free update now

Windows 11 is on its way to your PC... eventually. Microsoft's new operating system will release on eligible devices starting Oct. 5 and the upgrade will be free if you're already a Windows 10 user. However, Microsoft is rolling out the update in phases, which means some users will have to wait months to get their hands on Windows 11 -- an August blog post from Microsoft said the company expects "all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."

If you're not in a rush, you can simply wait for the Windows 11 update to be pushed to your device. When the new OS is available to you, the upgrade process will feel similar to a normal Windows 10 update, as long as your device is compatible and meets the minimum requirements needed. (And even if it doesn't, Microsoft will offer a workaround, though it won't be supported by the company.)

Don't want to wait until next year? Members of the Windows Insider Program can download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build today and test out some of its new features, such as widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops and the new Microsoft Store. We'll tell you how below. Before your download, here's everything you need to know about Microsoft's new software.

First, to see if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, you can check in a few different ways. And if you buy a new PC between now and the general release, that computer will also be eligible for the free upgrade.

If you haven't updated to Windows 10 yet, don't worry -- there's a trick for downloading Windows 10 free that still works. Now would be a good time to make the switch to prepare your machine for the Windows 11 upgrade. That trick will be the same one you use if you want to manually upgrade an older machine to Windows 11, though Microsoft doesn't encourage doing this as it may not be eligible for the same updates.

How to download the Windows 11 Insider Preview build
If you're a member of the Windows Insider Program (you can sign up now for free), you can download a preview build of Windows 11 now. However, it's important to note that beta versions, particularly early ones, tend to be buggy. You should never download a beta on your primary device, only on a tester device if you have one. For most people, it's best to wait for the general release starting in October. This first build also doesn't include every new feature that will eventually arrive with the general release.

Still want to try it out? Here's how.

1. Make sure you're running a licensed version of Windows 10 on your device, and that you're an administrator on the device. Register to join the Windows Insider Program if you haven't already. Or sign into your Windows Insider account. Click Start flighting.

2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. Click Get Started.

3. Under Pick an account to get started, select + to connect the Microsoft account you registered with and continue.

4. Follow the instructions to choose the experience and channel you want to get Insider Preview builds through: the Dev channel (for developers), the beta channel (for early adopters) or the release preview channel (for those who want to get the latest version just before it's generally released). Note that this build is coming to the Dev channel.

5. Review the Privacy Statement and terms, and click confirm. Click Restart Now.

6. After restarting, make sure your data settings are correct so you can download preview builds. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback, and make sure the Optional Diagnostic Data switch is flipped to On.

7. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click the Check for updates button. You should see the latest Insider Preview build based on the settings you selected.

From there, your device should update the same way it would with any other Windows update, and you'll be good to go.