Microsoft today released the first-ever Windows 11 ISO images, letting users download the images and clean install the OS on dedicated test systems or virtual machines. Up until now, users have had to download the last available images for Windows 10 build 21354 and upgrade to Windows 11 from there, unless they have chosen to use other methods. Now, that process is no longer needed as official ISO packages for Windows 11 build 22000.132 are now available.
The availability of ISO images marks another milestone for the development of Windows 11, with the company moving closer to readying the OS for release later this year. However, a few questions remain, the main being whether there will be the addition of the promised Android app support before the OS is finalized for release to users. The company has been tight-lipped about the capability ever since it announced it during the Windows 11 launch event.
Windows 11 builds are now being released simultaneously to both the Dev and Beta channels and are mostly cumulative updates than entire build packages. The focus right now is on readying the release for launch, which is why there aren’t many major features being added. The weekly builds are aimed at fixing bugs and improving the reliability of the OS.
Eventually, the Dev channel builds will move to a perpetual state of development, adding features that are not tied to a specific version. It is anybody’s guess if support for Android apps makes it to the OS before that happens, or if plans have changed about introducing that feature in this year’s release.
Those interested can head to the Insider downloads page here and select the desired ISOs to clean install Windows 11 build 22000.132. The company is encouraging users to perform clean installs of the OS and try out the new out-of-box experience. We discovered back in June that Windows 11 Home users will need an internet connection to set up their installs.
Right now also happens to be the best time to move to the Beta channel from the Dev channel if you wish to continue receiving bug fixes and the like till the public release of Windows 11. You can check out our guide here on how to move to the Beta channel.