I am on Insider Preview 24H2 and Windows Update wants to install 24H2. But the installation option is only avialable when I have "w11 get the latest updates" turned on. Is that normal?

Hi Dan, I believe after you are deleting the Registry Key you are going back into the Insider Program settings and rejoining Insiders. You would NOT be being offered that build as it is a Canary/Future build.

So - what do I do next and how do I know it will keep me from getting Insider Previews? Can you now check for updates and see if you are again offered Windows Insider Build?

Hi, copy everything, and then paste it into either CMD or PowerShell. It forces the Windows Insider program to stop using a registry key.

Windows Update - Microsoft Q&A

Answer recommended by moderator

Johnny55 5,235 Volunteer Moderator

Hi Dan,

You need to toggle Show Release Preview under Advanced options and change from Beta to Release Preview as as shown below. This is RP version running 26H2 Release

Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T19:31:47.3233333+00:00

I think I did all this. What do you mean I am running 26H2. Everything I see says I am on 25H2. W11 About says 25H2 and when I ran winver it says I am on W11 25H2 build 26200.9457
Johnny55 5,235 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-20T19:35:46.5966667+00:00

You would have to have Diagnostics on to run 26H2. Just leave things as they are.
CrazyKats 19,925 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-20T19:39:08.97+00:00

Dan, do not worry about 26H2 now.

You are on the 25H2 build that will

get you 26H2 when it is officially

released next month.
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T19:43:41.2566667+00:00

Not sure what you are telling me to do. Right now, Optional Diagnostics is OFF

Are you saying to turn Optional Diagnostics ON when 26H2 comes out? Or should I have it ON now?

Also, why does Optional Diagnostics need to be ON to run 26H2? I don't have it on now with W11 25H2 build 26200.9457
Johnny55 5,235 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-20T19:50:45.26+00:00

As CK mentioned, do not worry about 26H2, your Settings right now are correct to leave Insider when the next Release officially comes out. It will show up in Windows Update.
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T20:01:44.4566667+00:00

Thanks. I am a planner, so what are my next steps when 26H2 comes out? Can I install it or do I need to first do something else?
CrazyKats 19,925 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-20T20:03:41.96+00:00

Just get the update from Windows

Update when it comes out and you'll

be good to go. No need to do anything.
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T20:06:46.19+00:00

Thanks - you are a BIG help!
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T22:41:12.0633333+00:00

I do have paused updates on until 25 Oct 26. Is that an issue?
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T23:11:38.7433333+00:00

CrazyKats • what is the answer to all this?

You said "Hi Dan, Yes, pausing updates til then could be an issue because the new build will likely start rolling out on Patch Tues.10/13."

Should I un-pause it now?

The reason I paused it was I did not want to get any more Insider Preview that are required to install

When I un-pause it, Windows Update states that "Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26340.9502)" is available to install - which I have avoided to do - this the reason I had Paused Updates turned on. Would it be a good or bad idea to keep Paused Updates turned on until we get closer to 13 Oct 26? With my settings as they are - will this "Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26340.9502)" self-install or do I have the option of not installing it? A self-install is my fear if I turn off Paused Updates. Can u answer this please?
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-21T12:56:44.5633333+00:00

CrazyKats •

Both winser and about say I have - W11 25H2 build 26200.9457. Is this an Insider Preview? I do not have a Insider Preview watermark showing. Can u answer this please?
Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-22T17:45:52.8433333+00:00

Under w11 updates, what is "show release preview w11"? and should it be on or off if I do not want Insider Previews
Alison A 5,315 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Admin

2026-09-22T19:07:29.0133333+00:00

Hi @Dan McDermott ,

This thread appears to have run its course, as an official response to your original question has been provided and several community members have also kindly volunteered their time to assist.

At this point, the discussion has expanded considerably beyond the original question and has become difficult to follow, so we'll be locking the thread.

If you have a new or separate question, you're welcome to create a new thread. However, please note that new threads created to continue the same discussion may be locked as duplicates of this one.

Thank you for your understanding.

Windows Update

24 additional answers