Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Commercial Preview

Microsoft is projected to start the public rollout of Windows 11 in October, but in the meantime, the company also wants to pave the way for a smooth release for commercial customers as well.

So this week, the company has announced Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 21H2 preview builds for commercial organizations, therefore allowing them to try out and validate the upcoming releases on their own computers.

“Organizations enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business can access these builds through all standard channels, including Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Azure Marketplace, and the Windows Insider Program ISO download page. Along with commercial pre-release availability, we are also offering free support for commercial organizations running these builds. This means you can test these releases—and your preferred deployment methods—while remaining supported prior to general availability,” Microsoft explains.

How to get the preview builds

Downloading the preview builds on computers belonging to an organization is easy, as these devices must be considered for the Windows Insider Program Release Preview Channel via the Windows Update Settings page or via Windows Update for Business policy.

Once the configuration is enabled, these PCs would be offered a Windows 11 preview build.

Customers who want to stick with Windows 10 and just want to try out version 21H2 can click the option that reads “Stay on Windows 10 for now.” Doing this will serve Windows 10 version 21H2.

At the same time, devices that aren’t eligible for Windows 11 due to the new system requirements will be offered Windows 10 version 21H2 by default.

Needless to say, the previews are optional and only customers who want to try them out in advance can download them. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind they both come with an increased likelihood of bugs, so they shouldn’t be installed on production machines.