Microsoft has updated its official Windows 11 virtual machines (Windows 11 Development Environment or WDE) and users can download them for free evaluation. Usually, Microsoft releases a new version every two months, but this time is special. In early March, Microsoft pushed the Windows 11 Development Environment to version 2302 based on Build 22621.1265, with an expiration date set for May 23, 2023. Now users can download the updated version based on Build 22621.1413, also known as Windows 11 Moment 2 Update.
As with all other WDE releases, this version has a new expiration date. Users have until June 14, 2023 to use the virtual machine for free. After that, Windows will start reminding to enter the license key.
There are four variants of Windows Development Environment: VMWare, Hyper-V Gen2, Parallels and VirtualBox. these virtual machines are pre-built and do not require any additional setup. Once the virtual machines are 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 are available All of these developer tools are available immediately and require no additional installation.
They require at least 21GB of free space on your computer’s hard drive. Users can use the virtual machines without activation, but some features still require a license key. For example, personalization settings cannot be changed. Microsoft also warns that after expiration, the desktop background will go black, users will see constant activation notifications, and the virtual machines will shut down once an hour.
