Microsoft releases a new version of Win11 free virtual machine (2303) to test Moment 2 updates

CTOnews.com March 25, Microsoft has updated the official Windows 11 virtual machine (Windows 11 development environment or WDE), which users can download for free evaluation. Usually, Microsoft releases a new version every two months, but this one is special. In early March, Microsoft pushed the Windows 11 development environment to version 2302 based on Build 22621.1265, with an expiration date of May 23, 2023. Users can now download an updated version based on Build 22621.1413, also known as Windows 11 Moment 2 update.

Like all other WDE versions, this version has a new expiration date. Users can use the virtual machine free of charge until June 14, 2023. After that, Windows will start reminding you to enter the license key.

There are four variations of the Windows development environment: VMWare, Hyper-V Gen2, Parallels, and VirtualBox. These virtual machines are pre-built and do not require any additional settings. When the virtual machine is turned on, users can access Windows 11 Enterprise SKU, Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, Ubuntu, and Developer Mode. All of these developer tools can be used immediately without additional installation.

CTOnews.com comes with Microsoft's official free virtual machine download, which requires the computer's hard drive to have at least the free space of 21GB. Users can use virtual machines without activation, but license keys are still required for some features. For example, personalization settings cannot be changed. Microsoft also warned that after expiration, the desktop background will turn black, users will see continuous activation notifications, and the virtual machine will be shut down every hour.