How to Stop Getting Insider Preview Builds on Windows 11 PC
This tutorial will show you how to stop getting early test versions of Windows 11. These are called Insider Preview Builds, which are early test versions of Windows 11.
Go to Settings, then Windows Update, and select Windows Insider Program. Toggle the option to stop getting preview builds or unenroll your device. Users on the Dev or Canary channels must perform a clean install of Windows 11 to exit immediately.
What is Windows Insider Program?
Flighting is the term Microsoft uses for testing early versions of Windows 11 before they’re released to everyone. Running these test versions and sending feedback helps Microsoft make Windows better. Once you registered for the Windows Insider Program, you can run preview builds on as many devices as you want.
Why Stop Getting Preview Builds?
Windows Insiders help shape the future of Windows. But if you want to stop getting early test versions, you can unregister and leave the program. You can also unenroll your device. This stops the preview builds but keeps your email updates from Microsoft.
Important Information
You need to be an administrator on your PC to stop getting Windows 11 Insider Preview builds. What happens next depends on the channel you’re currently using for updates.
What happens depends on which channel you use:
- If you use Beta Channel or Release Preview Channel: You can stop getting preview builds when the next major Windows 11 update comes out.
- If you use Canary Channel or Dev Channel: You need to do a clean install of Windows 11 to stop immediately.
Option 1Use Settings
- Open Settings by pressing
Win+I. - Click Windows Update on the left side.
- Click Windows Insider Program on the right side.
- Turn On to stop getting preview builds, or turn Off to keep getting them. Look for Unenroll device.
- You can close Settings when done.
Option 2Use Registry Editor ⚙️
You can use the Registry Editor to stop getting Insider Preview builds, but you’ll need to open Windows Terminal as an administrator first. This method lets you directly change settings related to preview builds.
To enable stopping preview builds:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Selection" /v OptOutState /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To turn OFF stopping preview builds (this is the default):
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Selection" /v OptOutState /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Summary
Stopping Insider Preview Builds means you’ll no longer get early test versions of Windows 11. Depending on your channel, you might unenroll through Settings or need to reinstall Windows 11 completely.
How to stop Insider Preview builds?
You can stop receiving Insider Preview builds by going to Settings, then Windows Update, and choosing the Windows Insider Program. Look for the option to ‘Stop getting preview builds’ and turn it on to unenroll your device.
What is 🪟 Windows 11 Insider Preview build?
A Windows 11 Insider Preview build is an early, experimental version of the operating system released to members of the Windows Insider Program. These builds allow users to test new features and provide feedback to Microsoft before the software is officially released to the general public for stable, everyday use.
How to get rid of 🪟 Windows 11 Home Insider Preview watermark?
The watermark on your Windows 11 Home screen shows you’re using a test version. To remove it, you need to stop being part of the Insider Program and install a regular, public version of Windows 11.
Why are people leaving 🪟 Windows 11?
Users often leave Windows 11 Insider builds because early versions can be unstable, contain bugs, or cause compatibility issues with specific hardware and software. Others choose to leave the program to return to a stable, production-ready environment that does not require frequent updates or the risk of unexpected system crashes.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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