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How do change my channel from dev to beta without a clean install (don't have anything to back things up) currently upgraded to 10.0.26120.1542

Anonymous
2024-09-02T06:23:13+00:00

I was previously using a beta edition 230901-1418 but i got a message saying the build was expiring i tried to update but couldn't see any updates but the message persisted. Then read this article https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/build-expiration which told me to switch to dev channel.So i switched and updated to 10.0.26120.1542 But I would like to switch back to beta but all articles say I need to do a clean installation that would require me to back things up.But I don't have any devices to backup so wanted to know if there is any way to install a stable beta release without a clean installation. Any help is appreciated.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update

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  1. Pauli O 15,375 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-09-02T07:18:24+00:00

    >But I don't have any devices to backup so

    You should always have up to date backup especially with Insider previews.

    >wanted to know if there is any way to install a stable beta release without a clean installation.

    Unfortunately you can't go back to Beta version (build 22631) without clean install, but you can go to v24H2 which will be released to public on Sept./Oct 2024.

    Download latest ISO for build 26100.1150 and do in-place repair to get preview of 24H2.

    Download Windows Insider Preview ISO (microsoft.com).

    In-place repair:

    • Mount downloaded ISO: Double click or right click and select mount
    • On new virtual drive run setup.exe to start in-place repair.
    • This will let you keep your files and installed apps.

    When update is completed you can leave WIP by deleting WindowsSelfHost key from registry.

    1. Open open regedit (push Win key and type regedit).
    2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost
    3. On left panel right click that key and delete it.
    4. Close regedit and restart.
    5. Check your insider settings to see that its out of Insider Program.
    6. Check for updates to get latest C.U.

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  2. Pauli O 15,375 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2024-09-03T13:42:16+00:00

    >Just wanted to ask if I have to create a new virtual drive

    No you don't have to do that. When you mount ISO it will create that virtual drive with installation files.

    Here is example of mounted ISO of Windows 11 23H2

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-09-03T13:20:00+00:00

    Thanks for the reply. Just wanted to ask if I have to create a new virtual drive i only have one (C) right now.

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