How to Stop Windows 11 Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 22, 2025

If you’re happy with Windows 10 (or even an earlier version), you may not be ready to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft actively pushes upgrade notifications, and in some cases, Windows 11 may even download in the background. But don’t worry — you can stop the Windows 11 upgrade and stay on your current system.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover multiple methods to block Windows 11 updates, from simple settings tweaks to advanced registry changes. Whether you’re an everyday user or an IT professional managing multiple PCs, this guide has you covered.

Why Would You Want to Stop the Windows 11 Upgrade?

Not everyone is ready to jump to Windows 11. Here are some common reasons:

  • Compatibility issues with older apps or hardware.

  • Business environments where stability is more important than new features.

  • Performance concerns on older PCs.

  • User preference for the familiar Windows 10 interface.

Important Things to Know Before Blocking the Upgrade

  • Windows 10 support lasts until October 14, 2025 — so you’re safe to stay on it for now.

  • You’ll continue to get security updates for Windows 10.

  • Blocking Windows 11 won’t affect other critical updates unless you disable Windows Update entirely.

Method 1: Pause Windows Updates Temporarily

If you just want to stop updates for a short time:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.

  3. Click Pause updates for 7 days.

  4. You can extend this by clicking again for up to 35 days.

This method is temporary — Windows will resume updates after the pause period.

Method 2: Use the Windows Update Settings to Stay on Windows 10

Microsoft lets you specify your Windows version in Pro editions:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.

  2. Under Choose when updates are installed, select your current version (Windows 10).

  3. This tells Windows to stick with your current release.

Method 3: Block Windows 11 Upgrade via Group Policy (Pro Edition)

For Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education users:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business

  3. Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.

  4. Set it to Enabled.

  5. In the Target Version box, type:

    21H2

    (or whichever Windows 10 version you want to stay on).

  6. Click Apply > OK.

Now, Windows will not upgrade to Windows 11.

Method 4: Use the Registry Editor to Disable Windows 11 Upgrade

For Home users without Group Policy:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

    (create the WindowsUpdate key if it doesn’t exist).

  3. Right-click the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  4. Name it TargetReleaseVersion and set the value to 1.

  5. Create another String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo.

  6. Set its value to your desired version (e.g., 21H2).

  7. Restart your PC.

This locks your system to Windows 10.

Method 5: Stop Windows 11 Upgrade with Microsoft’s “Show or Hide Updates” Tool

Microsoft has an official troubleshooter called wushowhide.diagcab.

  • Download it from Microsoft’s website.

  • Run the tool.

  • Hide the Feature update to Windows 11 update.

This prevents Windows from installing it automatically.

Method 6: Disable Windows Update Service (Not Recommended Long-Term)

If you want a drastic option:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find Windows Update.

  3. Right-click > Properties.

  4. Set Startup type to Disabled.

  5. Click Stop and then Apply.

⚠️ Warning: This will block all updates, including security patches. Only use this if you plan to manage updates manually.

Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools to Block Windows 11

Some utilities make it easier to control updates:

  • StopUpdates10

  • O&O ShutUp10++

  • WuMgr (Windows Update Manager)

These tools give more control, but always download from trusted sources.

How to Re-Enable Windows Updates Later

If you change your mind:

  • Undo the Group Policy or Registry changes.

  • Re-enable the Windows Update service.

  • Run Windows Update manually to check for updates.

Risks of Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade

  • Missing out on new features and security improvements.

  • Potential app compatibility issues in the future.

  • You’ll eventually need to upgrade when Windows 10 support ends (2025).

Should You Stay on Windows 10 or Move to Windows 11?

  • Stay on Windows 10 if: you rely on older hardware/software, or prefer a stable environment.

  • Upgrade to Windows 11 if: your system supports it, you want new features like a redesigned taskbar, Snap Layouts, and improved security.

Tips for Managing Updates Safely

  • Always install security updates even if you block feature upgrades.

  • Regularly back up your data.

  • Use trusted tools if you decide to block updates.

Common Issues When Blocking the Upgrade (and Fixes)

Q1: Windows still upgraded to Windows 11 despite blocking. Why?
– Make sure you set the TargetReleaseVersion correctly in Group Policy or Registry.

Q2: My PC keeps downloading Windows 11 files in the background.
– Use the wushowhide tool to hide the update.

Q3: Can I uninstall Windows 11 after upgrading?
– Yes, within 10 days of upgrading, you can roll back to Windows 10 via Settings > Recovery.

Conclusion

Stopping the Windows 11 upgrade is entirely possible with the right steps. Whether you pause updates temporarily, set a target Windows version via Group Policy, or use registry tweaks, you have full control over when — or if — you move to Windows 11.

For most users, the safest approach is to lock your PC to Windows 10 using Group Policy or Registry changes. That way, you’ll keep receiving important security updates without being forced into an upgrade before you’re ready.

FAQs

1. Can I completely block Windows 11 forever?
No, but you can delay it until Windows 10’s support ends in October 2025.

2. Is it safe to disable Windows Update?
Not long-term. You’ll miss security patches, so use other methods instead.

3. What happens if my PC is not compatible with Windows 11?
Windows won’t automatically upgrade. You’ll stay on Windows 10.

4. Can I block Windows 11 upgrade on Windows 10 Home edition?
Yes, via the Registry Editor or third-party tools.

5. Do I need admin rights to stop Windows 11 upgrade?
Yes, most methods (Group Policy, Registry, services) require administrator access.

âś… Key Takeaways

  • You can block the Windows 11 upgrade using pause updates, Group Policy, Registry, or tools.

  • Windows 10 is supported until October 14, 2025.

  • Avoid disabling updates entirely, since you’ll miss security patches.

  • You can always upgrade later once you’re ready.

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