Forum Discussion
How to exit Win11 Insider Preview Build 26220?
I accidentally joined the Windows Insider Program and opted out in Settings, but I'm not sure if it worked. My desktop still shows the watermark: "Windows 11 Home Insider Preview Evaluation Copy....
| Leaving the Insider Program stops future enrollment; it does not convert an installed Insider build into a retail build when the evaluation period ends. Do not wait for expiry as a migration method. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and make sure the option to stop receiving preview builds is enabled. Then install the available Insider updates while you decide on the next step, so the current build remains supported. A no-data-loss move is only possible if Microsoft offers a matching production release path from your current branch. Check Windows Update and winver after each restart; if a production build is offered, take a full backup first and follow that route. If stable Windows is needed immediately and no matching path is offered, the reliable method is to back up personal files, export the BitLocker recovery key and application settings, create official Windows 11 installation media, and perform a clean installation. A lower retail build normally cannot be installed in place over a newer Insider build. |