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If you need to restore your device after an unexpected issue, or if you want to switch out of the Experimental (Future Platforms) channel, or stop receiving preview builds on a device altogether, you might need to use an ISO for a clean installation or in-place upgrade. See the Deeper look at running Windows Insider Preview Builds page for more information.
In-place upgrade with a Windows Insider Preview ISO
Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device or creating a bootable USB.
Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.
Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.
During setup, select the Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps option.
Once it's finished installing, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to make sure your Windows Insider settings are correct.
Clean installation with a Windows Insider Preview ISO
Back up all your files and applications. A clean install with a Windows Insider Preview ISO will erase all of your files, settings, and applications.
Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device or creating a bootable USB.
Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.
Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.
During setup, select the Change what to keep option, and then choose Nothing on the next screen to complete a clean install.
Once it's finished installing, make sure your Windows Insider settings are correct. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
Creating a bootable USB for Windows Insider ISOs
If you're having certain issues that prevent you from downloading an ISO to your device, or you need to quickly set up a new device in the Windows Insider Program, a bootable USB made from a Windows Insider ISO file can help.
Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device you can easily remember.
Connect a USB drive that's at least 8 GB. Back up any data on the drive you want to save, because any data on it will be erased.
Open Start menu. Search for and launch the Recovery Drive application.
When the application opens, uncheck the Back up system files to the recovery drive box and select Next.
Select your drive from the list and select Next.
You'll see a confirmation prompt. Select Create. When this completes your USB drive will now be in a bootable configuration. Next, we'll add the contents of the ISO file to it.
Locate the ISO file you downloaded in step 1 above. Select and hold (or right-click) the ISO file and select Mount.
The ISO file will be mounted as a new drive letter on your computer and open in a new File Explorer window.
Copy all the contents of the mounted ISO folder onto the bootable USB you just created.
Once the copy process is finished, you're all set. Now you can use it on a device.
To un-mount the ISO file, navigate to that drive letter in File Explorer. In the toolbar, select Eject.
If you use this drive to upgrade a device that already has Windows on it, connect it to the device, open File Explorer, locate the drive, and launch setup.exe to get started.
If you use this drive to do a clean Windows install, connect it to the target device and reboot. You may also need to adjust your BIOS or UEFI settings to allow it to boot from a USB-based drive.
Clean installation with a Windows 11 ISO (Not an Insider Preview Build)
Back up all your files and applications. A clean install with a Windows 11 ISO will erase all of your files, settings, and applications.
Download the latest Windows 11 ISO by saving it to a location on your PC or creating a bootable USB.
Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.
Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.
During setup, select the Change what to keep option, and then choose Nothing on the next screen to complete a clean install.
Once it's finished installing, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program if you'd like to set up Insider Preview builds again. Get more help setting up Insider Preview builds.