- To exit the Windows Insider Program to stay on Windows 11 24H2, open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, click on “Stop getting preview builds,” and turn on “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases.”
If you have a computer already running Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update), but it’s still enrolled in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program, you don’t have to reinstall the operating system and lose your files and settings in the process. You can simply opt out of the program, but you have a limited time to do it.
Since the next version of Windows became available on October 1, 2024, I’ve been asked multiple times about the process of removing a device from the Windows Insider Program to upgrade to version 24H2 and continue receiving updates. Usually, most people think that they have to erase the correct setup and then perform a clean installation of Windows 11 24H2, and then restore files from the backup.
Although this is true if you have a computer enrolled in the Canary, Dev, or Beta Channel, if you have a device in the Release Preview Channel, you can opt out of the program during the early days of the new feature update rollout as the final version and the build in preview channel are identical. Furthermore, after you unenroll the device, it’ll continue to receive cumulative updates for as long as the version of the operating system is supported.
In this guide, I’ll outline the easy steps to unenroll your computer from the Release Preview Channel to stay on Windows 11 24H2 without reinstallation.
Opt out of the Insider Program and stay on Windows 11 24H2
To gracefully opt out of the Windows Insider Program without reinstalling Windows 11 24H2, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the Windows Insider Program page.
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Click the “Stop getting preview builds” setting.
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Turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the device will automatically remove itself from the program. At this point, the computer will have a valid version of the operating system, and it will continue to receive updates for as long the version is supported. This process will keep your files, settings, and applications intact.
It’s important to note you can do this as long as the preview builds of the Release Preview Channel are in alignment with the current version of Windows 11. Once Microsoft starts rolling out the preview for another version, you won’t be able to use these instructions to exit the program to stay on version 24H2. If this is the case, you will have to perform a fresh installation of the version you want to use on your computer.
If the option is not available and you have a computer enrolled in the Dev or Canary Channel, the only way to remove the device from the program is by using a clean installation.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].