Windows Insider install issue

Barry Cannon 120 Reputation points
2026-08-07T22:13:59.2033333+00:00

I am running Windows 11 Pro, currently I am on Windows 11 Pro Insider preview Evaluation Copy Build 26300_8772_ge_prerelease_im.260626-2010, under Settings, under Systemunder about under windows specification, this is showing

Edition Windows 11 Pro Insider Preview

Version 26H2

Installed on ‎28-‎Jan-‎26

Evaluation expires on ‎11-‎Aug-‎26 11:09

OS build 26300.8772

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.403.0

my Windows update is trying to install 25H2 whuih continues to fail. I received the update software email and tried to install it, the attempt failed and my computer went back to try and install 25H2.

I have been on the insider program for a while, now each time i access the Windows insider screen under Windows update it promtps me to "Get Started", i run through the promtps, the computer restarts and when I return to the Windows Insider screen it prompts me to "get Started" again.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-08T16:09:06.5266667+00:00

Hi Barry,

My only suggestion right now is to switch to Dev

Channel and then try doing a Repair Install.

You need to be able to see Advanced Options

on the Insider page to be able to get back

to Experimental.

User's image

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

6 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-08T15:54:17.3833333+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    Choose the Dev Channel, because Beta

    is a lower build than the one you're on.

    Once on Dev, check for Updates.

    If nothing shows reboot the PC and

    check the Insider page again.

    You need to get to something that looks

    like this:

    User's image

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-07T23:26:15.9433333+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    Right click Start and choose Run.

    Type regedit and click OK.

    You are looking for this:

    User's image

    Scroll down and find Microsoft

    Click the Microsoft file so it opens

    Scroll down to WindowsSelfHost

    Right click the folder and choose Delete

    Then reboot your PC.

    It you still see Get Started in the Insider settings

    page then start over from here:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsinsider/

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-07T22:23:09.3733333+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    Delete this Registry Key, reboot and

    then check your Insider Settings again.

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost.

    Did you Unenroll your MS Acct. at any point?

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  4. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-08T00:37:24.07+00:00

    Hi Barry,

    Did you choose Beta or is that what it showed?

    What shows if you click the Beta down arrow?

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.