After several months of development, Microsoft is getting close to finalizing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), and now, it's the right time to pull out of the Windows Insider Program.
If you have a device enrolled in the program, you already know the risks of running developer previews of Windows 10. Although the last few builds are significantly more stable, now that version 1903 is mostly complete, Microsoft is shifting to the next feature update, which means that the development cycle starts again, and as a result, builds may contain bugs, incomplete features, and other problems that could negatively affect your experience.
If you want to avoid possible problems, or you want to take a break and use a stable version for a while, the Settings app includes an option to opt your computer out of the Windows Insider Program without having to modify your current setup. It's all possible because when Microsoft puts the "final" stamp to the May 2019 Update, during a short period, both the builds available through the program and public release are the same code.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to opt your device out of the program without having to reinstall the OS. If you already installed the first preview for the next release, we even show you a workaround to stop getting previews preserving your settings, apps, and files.
- How to stop getting Insider builds before new version of Windows 10 is finalized
- How to stop getting Insider builds after new version of Windows 10 is finalized
How to stop getting Insider builds before new version of Windows 10 is finalized
To take a break from unstable previews to enjoy the final version of Windows 10, you can gracefully opt your device out from the program using these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Insider Program.
- Under the Stop getting preview builds section, turn on the toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, your device will be gracefully removed from the test program, and after installing the final version of Windows 10, you'll no longer receive development releases.
If you change your mind, or you're ready to start testing Insider preview builds again, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on steps No. 4, make sure to turn off the toggle switch.
How to stop getting Insider builds after a new version of Windows 10 is finalized
If you didn't remember to remove your device from the Windows Insider Program, you can still opt-out of the program without losing your settings, apps, and files after installing the first preview for the next development. It just takes some additional steps.
Rolling back to the previous version
To uninstall a preview and rollback to the final version of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Under the "Go back to the previous version of Windows 10" section, click the Get started button.
- Select any reason from the list.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the No, thanks button.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Next button again.
- Click the Go back to earlier build button.
After completing the steps, your device will revert to the stable version of Windows 10, and then, you can use the steps below to stop getting Insider builds.
Opting out Windows Insider Program
To opt-out of the Windows Insider Program after rolling back to the May 2019 Update releases, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Insider Program.
- Under the Stop getting preview builds section, turn on the toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, flights for upcoming releases of Windows 10 will no longer download and install automatically on your device.
If you don't see the option to rollback, the only way to stop getting builds is to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.
Although you can use these instructions to stop receiving builds after new major update releases, this method is only possible as long as the files from a previous installation are still available on your computer. Windows 10 deletes these files automatically after the first ten days since the upgrade, which means that after that time, you won't be able to use these steps.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories
Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.
Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)
I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.
Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)
If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.
Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)
You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.
