Those of you still running Windows 7 or 8.1 may be wondering if you should finally make the leap to Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Microsoft long ago pulled the plug on its free Windows 10 upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, so you'll have to pay for a license if you want to upgrade one of these older versions to a newer iteration of Windows. (Already have Windows 10? You can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.)
But maybe you want to take one of the current versions of Windows for a lengthy spin before paying for a license. Microsoft offers free Enterprise evaluation editions for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 that you can run for 90 days. This version is basically identical to the Pro version, so it is a reliable way to test Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro. When the trial period ends, you can choose to buy a license to upgrade.
Where to Install Windows
First, you'll need a place to install the Enterprise edition. If you have a spare PC lying around, you can install the Enterprise edition cleanly on that machine. If you have a PC with enough disk space, you can partition the hard drive to dual-boot more than one operating system on the same PC (even Windows 10 and Windows 11).
You should be able to install Windows 10 without much trouble, but Windows 11 is more problematic due to its stricter requirements. Make sure your PC has the necessary hardware and settings if you want to try out the latest version of Windows.
As a third option, you can also use virtualization software to install and run Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise in its own environment within your current version of Windows. Again, Windows 10 should have no trouble here, but it can be trickier to make Windows 11 run in a virtual machine.
Install Windows 10
The Windows Enterprise editions are available as ISO files, which you can copy to a recordable disc or USB drive or install directly in a virtual machine. To download the Windows 10 Enterprise 90-day trial edition, go to Microsoft's TechNet Evaluation Center and click the plus sign next to Windows 10 Enterprise.
Microsoft offers two different versions of Windows 10 Enterprise for evaluation—Enterprise and LTSC (Long-term Servicing Channel). Enterprise is the standard enterprise edition of Windows 10. LTSC is a special edition that omits more consumer-oriented features and doesn't get updated as frequently. Choose Enterprise and click Continue.
Enter your name, email address, phone number, and the other info. If you're not using Windows 10 Enterprise for a company, enter your own name under company name. Click Continue.
Choose the version of Windows 10 you want to download, between 32-bit or 64-bit. Any computer from the past several years should support the 64-bit version, so pick that option. Select your language and click Download to install the ISO file for the Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation.
After your flash drive or DVD is set up, use it to boot up the PC or partition on which you want to install Windows 10. If you’re using a virtual machine, make sure the ISO file is accessible. Go through the initial Windows 10 setup screen by confirming the language and settings. Click Next, then click Install Now and accept the license terms to continue.
When asked which type of installation you want, click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). You’ll now have to decide where you want to install Windows 10, so make sure the correct partition is highlighted.
On a clean PC or in a virtual machine, there should be only one partition with unallocated space. On a dual-boot PC, you'll want to select the second partition with unallocated space, which should have been created when you set up the dual-boot system. Click Next and Windows 10 will install.
Follow the standard setup process, then sign in with the account you use for Microsoft 365 or other business services. This account must be linked to an enterprise or school to work. Otherwise, you will have to click the Domain join instead link to set up Windows 10 with a local account.
If you choose to use a local account, you will have to identify who will be using this instance of Windows 10, so type the name you want to use for your account and click Next. You’ll then be able to create a password for the account and choose three security questions. Continue the setup process to activate Cortana, enable activity history, and choose your privacy settings.
Windows 10 will then be installed. You will notice that the Windows desktop marks that it is the Enterprise Evaluation edition, and that you have 90 days of use remaining. You can now take the OS for a spin by using all of its features, tweaking its various settings, and installing your favorite software.
PCMag-Recommended Windows Accessories
Install Windows 11
If you prefer to try Windows 11, open Microsoft's TechNet Evaluation Center and click the plus sign next to Windows 11 Enterprise instead. There is only one download option for the ISO file, so just click Continue. Fill out the personal information, select your language, and click the Download button.
After the ISO file has downloaded, your next steps depend on how you plan to install Windows 11. If you want to install it in a virtual machine, you can work with the ISO file directly. If you plan to install it on a spare PC or as part of a dual-boot setup, you can either copy the ISO file to a bootable flash drive or burn it onto a DVD.
The initial steps for installing Windows 11 are the same as for Windows 10. At the first setup screen, confirm the language and settings and click Next. Click Install Now and accept the license terms to continue. At the screen to determine which type of installation you want, click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
You must now choose where Windows 11 will be installed. If it's a clean PC or a virtual machine, there should only be one partition available. For a dual-boot machine, choose the partition with unallocated space, which should have been created when you set up the dual-boot system. Click Next and Windows 11 will install.
Follow the screens to set up and customize Windows 11. At the sign-in screen, Microsoft prompts you to set things up for your work or school. At this point, you can log in with an account created for an enterprise or school if you have one. Otherwise, click the Sign-in options link.
You can then select the Domain join instead option. Enter the name that you want to use for your local account and click Next. Create a password for the account and then choose three security questions.
Continue with the setup process. When finished, Windows 11 will load. A watermark will appear on the desktop, marking your OS as the Enterprise Evaluation edition, and that you have 90 days of use remaining.
Add Microsoft Account
If you created a local account to set up Windows Enterprise, you can stick with that. However, if you do have a Microsoft account and want to access OneDrive and other Microsoft services, you can easily switch from your local account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info and click the Sign in with a Microsoft Account link.
Enter the email address and password for your Microsoft Account. Confirm the switch by typing the password for the local account you created. You can then create a PIN to sign in more quickly to Windows.
Remember that you now have 90 days to try out the Enterprise edition. And with this free edition installed on a spare PC, a dual-boot setup, or a virtual machine, you can play with Windows 10 or Windows 11 and still use your current version of Windows.
Microsoft Windows 11 Preview
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