Windows Update

Dan McDermott 155

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?

Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-20T12:09:09.6866667+00:00

I am on a desktop PC with AMD Processor. I am on W11 25H2 Pro. When 26H2 comes out I want to get it and I DO NOT want to get any more Insider Previews. However (today), for insider previews under advanced, I do not have the 26H2 option - I only have options for 26H1 or 25H2 (which I have now). What do I do? Do I pick 25H2? But picking 25H2 (which I now have) does not make sense to me. What do I do??

Answer recommended by moderator

Johnny55 5,155 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 5,155 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 19,595 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 5,155 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 19,595 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

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.

22 additional answers

SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-16T17:05:50.1266667+00:00
Alright. I wonder if it is optional.

Could you do this.
1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback.
3. Under Diagnostic data, turn off Send optional diagnostic data.
If it is greyed out, please let me know.
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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-16T17:13:32.4033333+00:00

optional diagnostic data is off
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SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-15T10:49:02.49+00:00

Great work!

I reset the key for WindowsSelfHost, and it is gone, but Update still wants to enroll me in the insider Program

Can you share a screenshot of the error?
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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-15T12:26:34.4666667+00:00

No screenshot to take and no error given. Update still aks me to enroll me in the insider Program

Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-16T17:11:12.8533333+00:00

not yet offered 25H2. still on 24H2
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SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-14T13:24:34.22+00:00

Hi,

Please do this. If it fails, please mention the error code.

Upgrading to 25H2, the latest feature update should help.

Download Windows 11

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/Windows11

Use the Installation Assistant to Download Windows 11

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2171764

Alternatively, download an ISO file and Run Setup.exe to Start the Upgrade, using Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

All the steps, including MCT and Installation Assistant, are covered here:

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2025/09/install-windows-11-25h2-manually-or-offline.html

I hope that helps, and keep me posted.

The above linked blog's content is written by a Windows MVP, so it is safe. However, watch out for the ads. Additionally, It should automatically translate into the browser language as well.
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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-14T17:29:03.3333333+00:00

I did this and now I'm on 24H2 but Windows Update keeps asking me to get Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26340.9482). But I thought I opted out of Insider Previews

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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-14T21:03:14.1+00:00

It worked, but installed 24H2 - not 25H2. But it also reset the key for WindowsSelfHost, so I had to remove that key again so I'm not part of the the Insider Pogram.

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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-14T21:29:28.9266667+00:00

I reset the key for WindowsSelfHost, and it is gone, but Update still wants to enroll me in the insider Program
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SD - IA 179.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-09-14T12:48:55.76+00:00

Hi Dan,

I see you are on Windows 11 24H2. Since it is being replaced by 25H2, and soon by 26H2, this glitch is happening because of that reason.

Are you not offered 25H2?

Please install 24H2 once and ideally you should be offered 25H2 after that.

You should leave the insider program as well to avoid these glitches.

I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.
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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-14T13:01:12.85+00:00

I am on Windows 11 24H2 Preview and not W11 24H2.

I am not offered 25H2?

The problem I am having is I can't install 24H2. Installation has failed twice and updatr keeps asking me to retry.

In have left the insider program by deleting the folder: WindowsSelfHost.

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Dan McDermott 155 Reputation points

2026-09-16T17:09:07.9+00:00

not yet offered 25H2. still have 24H2
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Windows Update

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