How to unenroll your PC from Windows 11 Insider Program

• To leave the Windows Insider Program, open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, click on “Stop getting preview builds,” and turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch.
• Alternatively, you can use a clean installation or the recovery settings if you missed the grace period or the option is grayed out.
• These instructions apply to all releases of Windows 11, including version 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2.

UPDATED 10/9/2025: On Windows 11, if you enroll your computer in the Windows Insider Program, you have at least three ways to unenroll or leave the program, but the option you have to use will depend on the stage of the operating system’s development. Let me explain.

The Windows Insider Program is an open software testing program designed by Microsoft to provide developers and enthusiasts with early access to features and changes the company is working on for the next version of the operating system, as well as for the current version. 

At the time of this writing, the latest development is version 25H2 (or 2025 Update) for Windows 11.

The program includes four channels, including the Canary, Dev, Beta, and Release Preview, each previewing a different stage of development. The Canary Channel includes previews for the latest platform changes early in the development cycle. These builds can be unstable, lack comprehensive support, and are only recommended for highly technical users. The Dev Channel is also intended for advanced users, as this build will typically contain bugs and be unstable.

On the other hand, the Beta Channel is for anyone who wants to test upcoming features or validate apps, and the Release Preview Channel usually offers the final build of the next version of Windows 11 before it is available to everyone. 

The only issue with the program is that opting out is not straightforward. Usually, as the development of a new version of the operating system comes to an end, Microsoft notifies users through its Windows Insider blog website of a short period when it’s safe to remove the computer from the specific channels without reinstallation, preserving file settings and apps.

If you miss the window period or want to unenroll immediately, you can perform a clean installation of the operating system. This option also involves restoring files from the backup, reinstalling apps, and reconfiguring settings. 

If you want to take a break from the program or need the computer for a different project, you have several ways to unenroll from the Windows Insider Program, even if you have installed a preview of the next Windows development. 

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to remove your laptop or desktop computer from the Windows Insider Program.

These instructions apply to any release of Windows 11, including versions 25H2, 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2.

• Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program without losing files
• Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program with reinstallation
• Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program after installing another version

Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program without losing files

To gracefully opt out of the Windows Insider Program without losing your files or reinstalling, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Windows Update.

3. Click the Windows Insider Program page.

4. Click the “Stop getting preview builds” setting.

5. Turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch.

   

Once you complete the steps, the computer will continue to receive previews of Windows. However, when the final version arrives, the device will gracefully opt out of the program.

At this point, the computer will have the final version of the operating system, and it will continue to receive updates as long as the new version is supported.

If the option is grayed out and you have a computer enrolled in the Dev or Canary Channels, the only way to remove the device from the program is by using a clean installation.

Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program with reinstallation

If you missed the grace period to opt out of the program or the unenroll option is grayed out, you can remove the computer from the Insider Program by erasing the current setup and starting with a fresh installation.

To perform a clean installation to unenroll your PC from the Insider Program, use these steps:

1. Start the PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.

2. Press any key to continue.

3. Choose the installation language and format.

   

4. Click the Next button.

5. Choose the keyboard and input method.

   

6. Click the Next button.

7. Select the “Install Windows 11” option.

   

8. Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm that this process will delete everything on the computer.

9. Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

   

   Quick note: The computer will activate automatically after reinstallation. If this is a new computer, you must provide a product key. You can always provide the product key to activate later through the Settings app.

10. Select the edition of “Windows 11” your license key activates (if applicable).

    

11. Click the Next button.

12. Click the Accept button

13. Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 25H2 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

    

14. Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the operating system.

    

15. Click the Next button.

16. Click the Install button.

    

17. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).

After you complete the steps, the computer will start with a fresh installation of Windows 11 from the Stable Channel.

The “Stable Channel” isn’t really a channel. It’s a way to refer to the official release of Windows that’s not in preview.

You can also proceed with the clean installation using the ISO file, WinRE, or Media Creation Tool. My other guide explains these installation methods in more detail.

Unenroll from Windows 11 Insider Program after installing another version 

Alternatively, if you haven’t installed a second preview of the next version of Windows 11 and you don’t want to reinstall the operating system, you can use the recovery settings to roll back to the previous version and then use the “Windows Insider Settings” to gracefully opt out of the program. 

To remove your computer from the Windows Insider Program even after installing the first preview of the next version, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery page on the right side.

4. Click the Go back button under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the Next button.

6. Click the “No, thanks” button.

   

7. Click the Next button.

   

8. Click the Next button again.

   

9. Click the Go back button.

   

10. Open Settings on Windows 11.

11. Click on Windows Update.

12. Click the Windows Insider Program page.

13. Click the “Stop getting preview builds” setting.

14. Turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch.

    

Once you complete the steps, the system will remove the device from the Insider Program, keeping the most up-to-date version of Windows 11 installed and supported.

Regardless of the method you choose to unenroll, you can always enroll back into the program through the “Windows Insider Program” settings page and use the “Get Started” button.

If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know in the comments section below.

Update October 9, 2025: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.