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- 0:00 Intro
- 1:05 Windows 11 Release Info
- 2:34 Installation Prerequisites
- 5:55 VmWare Player and Windows11 Downloads
- 7:33 Vmware Player Installation
- 8:45 Windows 11 Virtual Machine Creation
- 13:23 Windows 11 Installation
- 18:22 Vmware Tools Installation
- 20:08 Windows 11 Virtual Machine Walkthrough
- 22:36 Starting Windowss 11 Virtual Machine
- 24:18 ITBroken Finale
With the release of Windows 11 many people are eager to try the Windows 10 replacement, either out of curiousity or to use in their jobs. However, given that Microsoft is notorious for releasing bug infested software, we always recommend to wait 6 to 12 months. Aside from bugs inherent in the operating system, it usually takes time for 3rd party developers to update hardware drivers and software. From a support perspective, this also provides time for IT Professionals to update related knowledge bases for topics relating to the use and support of the operating system.
With the above in mind, there is a way to try Windows 11 without replacing your current Windows 10 installation, through the use of desktop virtualization software. In this article we will use Workstation Player by VmWare, but there are other virtualization software options as well.
Accordingly, in this article I walk you through the steps to get Windows 11, I will introduce you to virtualization, and lastly I will tell you how to install Windows 11 in the corresponding virtual environment.
Before we get started, there are some pre-requisites in oder to successfully run a Windows 11 virtual machine on a Windows 10 computer. You will need at least an Gen 8 Intel i5 Processor or AMD equivalent, 12 GB of RAM, and 100 GB free hard drive space. With reference to the hard drive a 7200 RPM hard drive or SSD to load the large files in an a reasonable time.
Anything less than that above may result in the virtual machine running too slow or even freezing your computer, which will result in a disappointing experience.
Assuming, your computer meets the specs, the other 2 pre-requisites are to download VmWare Workstation Player and Windows 11 ISO.
So let’s get started by downloading the software:
VMware Workstation Player Download:
Windows 11 Download:
Files should have downloaded to your Downloads directory, so go ahead and run the installation file for VmWare to get the software installed on your computer.
On Vmware Workstation Player is installed, go ahead and open the program on your computer, select Create a New Vritual Machine.
In the next screen, you will want to select your Windows 11 ISO image in your Downloads, selecting the Browse button once you have selected Installer disc image file (iso) as the Install From option.
Next, select your operating system. Note that Windows 11 is not available on the list, yet, so select next highest version, which is Windows 10
Next, give your virtual machine a name.
Next select disk capacity.
Next select Customize, before hitting next
Next, select the memory based on RAM available on your computer anywhere between 4-8GB and then close window to complete setup
Next select finish to complete setup
Once finished, the new virtual machine will show on the list in the player window and then you can select the Play Virtual Machine option.
The first time you start the virtual machine it will ask you to press a key to begin the installation of Windows 11 into the corresponding Virtual Machine environment.
Then you will proceed with the standard Windows 11 installation screens
Next the virtual machine will automatically restart as part of the Windows 11 installation process. Depending on your computer speed this can take a while, so be patient. Once it reboots it will bring the standard Windows 11 startup configuration screens.
Windows 11 will then complete its initial install and restart and ask for the next set of preferences
Another auto reboot before next set of options
And that’s it, your Windows 11 virtual machine is created. However, there is one final step. You will want to install the VmWare Tools before you start using Windows 11.
Once you select to Install Tools, you will need to open up the setup file via the Windows 11 File Explorer and run the Setup.
And that’s it, all done. You officially have a Windows 11 Virtual Machine.
When done you can simply shut down machine, and you can always restart it by opening VmWare Player on your desktop.
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