How to Stop Windows 11 Update in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Stop Windows 11 Update in Windows 10

Stopping a Windows 11 update on your Windows 10 device can be done quickly by tweaking a few settings. First, you’ll need to pause updates through the Windows Update settings. Next, you can use the Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor for a more permanent solution. Both methods will effectively prevent Windows 11 updates from being installed on your system.

How to Stop Windows 11 Update in Windows 10

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through two different methods to halt Windows 11 updates on your Windows 10 machine. This guide will ensure you keep your current operating system without any unwanted upgrades.

Step 1: Open Windows Update Settings

To start, open the Windows Update settings by going to your computer’s "Settings" menu and clicking on "Update & Security."

In the Update & Security section, you’ll find all the settings related to Windows updates. This is where you can control how and when updates are installed on your machine.

Step 2: Pause Updates

Next, click on "Pause updates for 7 days" to temporarily stop updates.

This feature allows you to delay updates for a week, giving you time to make more permanent changes if needed. You can extend this period if you revisit the settings before it expires.

Step 3: Open Group Policy Editor

Press "Win + R" to open the Run dialog, type "gpedit.msc," and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool used to manage various Windows settings, including update policies. This method is typically more reliable for stopping updates.

Step 4: Configure Windows Update Policy

In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to "Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update."

Here, you’ll see various settings related to Windows Updates. This is where you can configure your system to block the Windows 11 update.

Step 5: Enable "Select the target Feature Update version"

Double-click on "Select the target Feature Update version," enable it, and set the target version to "21H1" or your current Windows 10 version.

By setting the target version, you’re effectively telling Windows to stick with a specific version and ignore newer updates, including Windows 11.

Step 6: Use Registry Editor (Alternative Method)

Open the Run dialog again, type "regedit," and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

The Registry Editor allows you to manually tweak your system’s settings. This method is an alternative if you can’t access the Group Policy Editor.

Step 7: Add Target Release Version in Registry Editor

Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate," and add a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named "TargetReleaseVersionInfo."

Set the value data to "21H1" (or your current Windows 10 version) to ensure your system stays on that version.

After completing these steps, your computer will no longer attempt to download or install the Windows 11 update, allowing you to remain on Windows 10 as long as you wish.

Tips for Stopping Windows 11 Update in Windows 10

• Always create a system restore point before making changes to the Group Policy or Registry Editor.
• Keep an eye on Windows Update settings regularly to ensure no changes have been made.
• Consider using third-party tools designed to block specific updates if you want an easier solution.
• Be aware that pausing updates only delays them temporarily; more permanent changes require Group Policy or Registry tweaks.
• Check Microsoft’s official documentation for any new methods to control updates as they frequently update their guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Windows 11 update is pending?

You can check the Windows Update section in your Settings. It’ll notify you if an update is queued.

Is it safe to stop updates permanently?

While stopping updates can keep your system stable, it may also leave you vulnerable to security risks. Make sure to install important security patches.

Can I revert changes made in Group Policy or Registry Editor?

Yes, you can always revert settings by following the same steps and disabling or deleting the changes you made.

What if I accidentally upgrade to Windows 11?

You can roll back the update within ten days of installation through the Recovery settings.

Is there an easy way to stop updates without using Group Policy or Registry Editor?

You can use third-party software designed to manage Windows updates more straightforwardly, though they might introduce other risks.

Summary

1. Open Windows Update Settings.
2. Pause updates for 7 days.
3. Open Group Policy Editor.
4. Configure Windows Update Policy.
5. Enable "Select the target Feature Update version."
6. Use Registry Editor (alternative method).
7. Add Target Release Version in Registry Editor.

Conclusion

Stopping Windows 11 updates on a Windows 10 machine might seem like a complex task, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know where to look. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your update settings and ensure your computer runs the operating system version you prefer.

Remember, while halting updates can keep your system stable, you should still keep an eye out for critical security updates to protect your machine. It’s a balancing act between stability and security, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can manage it effectively.

For further reading, check out Microsoft’s official documentation on managing Windows updates. If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it. Happy computing!