Pretty Unstable Since install of 26220.9739

mvermef 0 Reputation points
2026-11-01T15:45:21.0466667+00:00

Every since that build installed and has carried forward into 9836. I have had pretty consistent lockups. I generally don't turn off my PC much and I was more or less stable prior to that build with the occasional update requiring reboot but within the last 4 days I have had a hard-lock every day since.

I am prepping to clean install which hasn't been done in some time and probably due just wasn't expecting to have to do it. Then won't be adding this pc back into the fray.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Repair and recovery
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  1. CrazyKats 20,295 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-01T16:01:35.3+00:00

    Hi mvermef,

    You can try to do an in place update

    or a clean install using the ISO from

    this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

    If you've been doing Insider builds for

    awhile sometimes a clean install is the

    best option. Make sure to follow the instructions

    from AI answer to get out of the Insider Program.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-01T15:46:36.5433333+00:00

    A PC on build 26220.9836 can move to released Windows 11 25H2 with an in-place installation that keeps files and applications, so a destructive clean install is optional rather than required.

    Preserve evidence before changing builds

    The retrieved release notes for builds 26220.9739 and 26220.9836 do not list a known issue specifically describing hard locks or freezes; that does not rule out a build, driver, firmware, or hardware-specific regression.^1^^2^

    Before reinstalling:

    1. Press Win+F to open Feedback Hub.
    2. Search for reports containing 26220.9739 freeze, 26220.9836 hard lock, and relevant hardware details. Upvote a matching report or select Give feedback > Report a problem.
    3. Include when the lock occurs, whether audio loops, whether the pointer moves, and whether the keyboard LEDs respond.
    4. If there is a predictable trigger, start Record my problem immediately before it. Do not repeatedly force a freeze; a complete lock may prevent the recording from being stopped and saved normally.^3^

    Move to released Windows 11 25H2 without wiping

    First make a current backup. Also record the installed edition and system language, because the installation media must match them.

    1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program > Stop Insider Preview Builds.
    2. Enable the option to stop receiving preview builds. Microsoft documents this exit path for Beta-channel devices.^4^
    3. Download a released Windows 11 25H2 ISO matching the installed language and edition.
    4. If the device remains enrolled after using the supported Settings option, the case-matched 26220.xxxx procedure is:
      • Open Registry Editor as administrator.
      • Navigate to: 
             HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost
      • Export that key as a backup.
      • Delete WindowsSelfHost, close Registry Editor, and restart.
      Registry deletion changes Insider enrollment state; export the key first and do not delete its parent keys. This procedure is specifically documented in the Q&A resolution for 26220.xxxx builds.^5^
    5. Right-click the released ISO and select Mount.
    6. Open the mounted drive and run setup.exe from inside Windows—do not boot from the media.
    7. Select Change what to keep > Keep personal files and apps, then start the installation.

    An in-place installation preserves personal files, installed applications, and settings. Confirm that Setup offers Keep personal files and apps before proceeding; if it does not, cancel and recheck the ISO language and edition.^6^

    If a clean installation is still preferred

    A clean installation is reasonable if the objective is to eliminate accumulated software and configuration state. It removes files, applications, settings, and manufacturer customizations.^6^

    Before starting:

    • Back up all required files and application data.
    • Confirm Windows activation and install the same licensed edition.
    • Save the BitLocker recovery key if encryption is enabled.
    • Disconnect secondary drives to reduce the risk of deleting the wrong disk.
    • Boot from the installation USB, select Install Windows 11, and delete partitions only on the intended Windows disk.
    • Install drivers and firmware from the PC or component manufacturer after Setup completes.

    If the hard locks continue on released Windows after a clean installation—particularly before third-party applications are restored—the Insider build is no longer the only plausible factor. At that point, investigate firmware, storage, memory, GPU, power, and other hardware-specific causes rather than repeatedly reinstalling Windows.

    References

    1. Announcing new builds for 16 October 2026 - Windows Blog
    2. Announcing new builds for 30 October 2026 - Windows Blog
    3. Deeper look at feedback
    4. Troubleshooting
    5. leaving the insider program - Microsoft Q&A
    6. Reinstall Windows with the installation media
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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