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FeelLikePhil's avatar
FeelLikePhil
Copper Contributor
Oct 02, 2021

Can't go from Windows 11 dev channel to release version

I installed the Windows 11 preview from the dev channel back in July without issues and now I'd like to get the release version the 5th of October, but everything is greyed out: beta channel, release...
G_Jongeneel's avatar
G_Jongeneel
Brass Contributor
Oct 07, 2021

FeelLikePhil It is possible to start Regedit, go to 'Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Selection' and change the option 'UIBranch' to another value. For instance, switch from 'Dev' to 'ReleasePreview'. However, I'm sure this is not officially supported and doing so can bring some unexpected results. In other words, Microsoft seems to protect you from getting into trouble.

As far as I know, the option is only greyed out when you've selected 'Dev' earlier. There is no option to switch to maintain continuity. Since the ‘Dev’ channel gets the latest features ahead of the other two channels, Windows does not have the necessary tools to carry out the swift onboarding process. To move from one channel to another, the build of the destination channel has to be newer than the channel you are currently on. I'm afraid a clean install will be your best option.

omarrayyanxx's avatar
omarrayyanxx
Copper Contributor
Oct 07, 2021
i tried that and restarted my computer, it automatically changed back to Dev again..
  • G_Jongeneel's avatar
    G_Jongeneel
    Brass Contributor
    Oct 12, 2021

    omarrayyanxx That's really weird. I changed the setting (reg key) and even after several reboots, it is still there and active for sure. The option 'Stop getting preview builds' says 'Queued for unenrollment' now. I guess, we have to wait and see.

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