- 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.
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 situation of the operating system’s development. Let me explain.
The Windows Insider Program is a “program” that Microsoft designed to allow developers and enthusiasts to get early access to features and changes that the company is working on for the next version and even the current version of the operating system.
At the time of this writing, the latest development is version 24H2 (or 2024 Update) for Windows 11.
The program includes four channels, 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, don’t include much documentation, and are only recommended for highly technical users. The Dev Channel is also for advanced users since 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 is coming to an end, Microsoft will notify users through its Windows Insider blog website of the short period when it’s safe to remove the computer from the specific channels without reinstallation and preserve 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 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2.
- 1. Unenroll from Insider Program without losing files
- 2. Unenroll from Insider Program with reinstallation
- 3. Unenroll from Insider Program after installing another version
1. Unenroll from Insider Program without losing files
To gracefully opt out of the Windows Insider Program without losing your files or reinstallation, 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 computer will continue to receive previews of Windows, but once 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.
2. Unenroll from 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:
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Press any key to continue.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Install now button.
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Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.
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Select the edition of “Windows 11” that your license key activates (if applicable).
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Check the “I accept the license terms” option.
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Click the Next button.
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Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
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Select each partition on the hard drive where to install Windows 11 and click the “Delete” button. (Typically, the “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)
Warning: When you delete a partition, it also deletes all data on the drive. Also, it is not required to delete the partitions from a secondary hard drive. -
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install a fresh copy of the operating system.
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Click the Next button.
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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 Chanel.
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.
3. Unenroll from 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:
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Open Settings.
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Click on System.
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Click the Recovery page on the right side.
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Click the Go back button under the “Recovery options” section.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the “No, thanks” button.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Next button again.
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Click the Go back button.
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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 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 let me know in the comments below.
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].