Windows Insider issue

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 System under 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 whih 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.

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter.

• Right-click on Start button and pick Settings
• Go to System > Troubleshoot
• Click on Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update and click Run button.

Download Windows updates manually.

• Go to the official Microsoft update catalog;
• Enter a specific update code, for example, KB4481031
• Select the correct version and click Download
• Click on the link and Windows will update your computer

Resetting the Windows Update components can usually solve these types of issues.

I had co-pilot analyze your post. Co-pilot says this indicates a corrupted Insider enrollment state + mismatched servicing branch + Windows Update component corruption.
The repeated “Get Started” loop is a classic symptom of:

• Broken FlightSettings registry entries
• Damaged ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\ClipSVC enrollment tokens
• A mismatch between the Insider channel stored locally and what Microsoft’s servers expect

CoPilot's fix:​

Step 1 .Reset Windows Update components ( Note: I suggest You can use the tutorial @FreeBooter gave to do this step as it is much easier and faster)

This clears the stuck 25H2 attempts.

1. Open Windows Terminal as Administrator
   • Right‑click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Stop update services:

cmd

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

net stop appidsvc

1. Rename the update cache folders:

cmd

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

1. Start the services again:

cmd

net start wuauserv

net start bits

net start cryptsvc

net start appidsvc

1. Restart the PC.

Step 2. Clear broken Insider enrollment data

This is what fixes the “Get started” loop.

2.1 Delete Insider registry keys

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. In Registry Editor, navigate to:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost
3. If those keys exist, right‑click each → Delete.
4. Close Registry Editor.

2.2 Clear Insider tokens

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\ClipSVC\Tokens

(You may need to enable Hidden items on the View menu.)

1. Delete everything inside the Tokens folder (do not delete the folder itself).
2. Restart the PC again.

Step 3. Re‑enroll in the Windows Insider Program

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
2. Click Get started.
3. Sign in with the same Microsoft account you use for Insider.
4. When asked to choose a channel, pick the one that matches your build family (usually Dev or Canary for 26H2).
5. Finish the wizard and reboot if prompted.

After this, the Insider page should stay enrolled instead of looping.

Step 4. Realign to the correct 26H2 build

Because you’re already on a 26H2 Insider Preview, Windows Update trying to push 25H2 is a mismatch.

1. Open your browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for your build number (e.g. 26300).
3. Download the latest cumulative update that matches:
   • Windows 11
   • Pro
   • Insider Preview / 26H2 branch
4. Run the downloaded .msu file and let it install.
5. Restart the PC when it finishes.

This forces the servicing stack to line up with the Insider branch again.

Step 5. Run Windows Update normally

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.

You should now:

• Stop seeing 25H2 offered.
• Stay enrolled in the Insider Program.
• Receive normal 26H2 Insider builds.

​

Be very careful using Co-Pilot for technical troubleshooting, that's all I'll say. Also you may want to compare it's recommendations with Google AI or another AI. Sometimes you'll get different or conflicting advice. Sometimes Google will have more accurate troubleshooting steps vs Co-Pilot as well.

I was having the same problem, with no solution available anywhere.
I stopped updates in gpedit and services.
Finally downloaded an ISO 26300.9032 from uupdump and made an in-place upgrade, now no more bugging that windows will expire on 11/08/26, though I think that it will expire somewhere in Oct 2027 !

The WIndows Insider problem was solved, This is a screen shot of my Windows Speification
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

I did not see Windows 11 Pro Version 26H2 or 26300

All of my problems with Windows 11 Pro have been corrected. I want to thank all of the technical experts who prvide advise and corrective actions.