Windows 11 is now available for Insiders in the Release Preview channel



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Today, Microsoft announced that Windows Insiders on the Release Preview channel can finally start testing Windows 11. Previously it was available to companies that were testing PCs in the channel, but as of today it is available for everyone.

This is a big deal, because it is an important step in the development of Windows. The Release Preview channel is for updates that are ready to ship. This means that yes, Windows 11 build 22000.194, or the build in the Release Preview channel, is the RTM build that should be shipped to non-Insiders on October 5th. There may be a maintenance update by then, but this is considered signed.

If you’re on the Release Preview channel and new to Windows 11, there’s a lot to learn. It comes with an all-new design, featuring a centered taskbar, an all-new Start menu, and rounded corners throughout the shell. This is not all, however. Widgets replace news and interests, Microsoft Teams Chat is built into the operating system, and we’re getting brand new inbox apps.

These include a brand new capture tool, a new calculator, a clock app with a new feature called Focus Sessions, a completely redesigned photos app, and more. Microsoft even teased a new Paint app, but that hasn’t happened yet.

One feature coming up but not at launch is support for Android apps. Microsoft has partnered with Amazon to bring the Amazon Appstore into the Microsoft Store, so you have apps like Kindle, Comixology, and more. Indeed, Windows 11 is a big update.

As we know, the operating system will be released on October 5th. Some will see it in Windows Update from day one, and of course, it’s optional. The staged rollout will continue until mid-2022, but you can still force the update with the Media Creation Tool if you wish.

If you’re on the Release Preview ring, you can get Windows 11 today through Windows Update. If you don’t see it, your PC is probably not supported because the minimum requirements have been increased significantly.

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