Are you tired of Windows 11 automatically downloading on your PC and taking up space or bandwidth? Don’t worry—Windows 11 updates can be managed, and you can stop the download until you’re ready. In this guide, we’ll show you how to stop downloading Windows 11 safely on your Windows 10 or current system.
Why Stop Windows 11 from Downloading?
You might want to pause or stop Windows 11 downloads for several reasons:
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Prevent automatic updates: Avoid updates that may disrupt work.
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Save internet bandwidth: Large downloads can slow down your network.
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Compatibility concerns: Ensure your hardware and software are ready for the upgrade.
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Maintain current workflow: Some apps may not be fully compatible with Windows 11 yet.
Think of it like postponing a big renovation—you want to make sure everything is ready before the change.
Step 1: Pause Updates Using Settings
Windows 10/11 automatically downloads updates in the background. You can pause updates temporarily:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Update & Security → Windows Update.
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Click Pause updates for 7 days (you can repeat to extend up to 35 days).
This stops Windows 11 from downloading until the pause period ends.
Step 2: Set Your Connection as Metered
Windows respects metered connections and avoids large downloads like Windows 11 upgrades:
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Press Windows + I → Network & Internet.
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Select your Wi-Fi network.
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Toggle Set as metered connection to On.
This prevents Windows 11 from downloading automatically over that connection.
Step 3: Disable Windows 11 Upgrade Notifications
If you’re getting prompts about Windows 11, you can stop them:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
-
Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it
TargetReleaseVersion. -
Set value to
1. -
Right-click → New → String Value → Name it
TargetReleaseVersionInfo. -
Set value to your current Windows version (e.g.,
21H2). -
Restart your PC.
This ensures Windows Update targets your current version instead of Windows 11.
Step 4: Disable Windows Update Service (Advanced)
If you want a more permanent stop:
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Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. -
Scroll down to Windows Update, right-click → Properties.
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Change Startup type to Disabled.
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Click Stop, then Apply → OK.
⚠️ Note: This prevents all Windows updates. Re-enable later to receive security updates.
Step 5: Use Group Policy (Pro and Enterprise Versions)
For Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.
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Set Enabled, then enter your current version (e.g.,
21H2). -
Click Apply → OK.
This blocks Windows 11 from downloading while still allowing security updates for your current version.
Tips for Managing Windows 11 Downloads
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Regularly check updates: Ensure critical security patches are installed even if Windows 11 is blocked.
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Back up data: If you eventually upgrade, a backup avoids data loss.
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Monitor notifications: Some prompts may still appear; ignore or dismiss them.
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Use metered connections for control: Prevents automatic large downloads in the background.
Common Issues and Fixes
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Windows still trying to download: Double-check your registry or Group Policy settings.
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Unable to pause updates: Check your user permissions—you need admin rights.
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Security updates blocked: If Windows Update service is disabled, manually enable it for critical updates.
Conclusion
Stopping Windows 11 from downloading is possible through multiple methods, whether you prefer pausing updates, using metered connections, editing the registry, or disabling services. This allows you to maintain control over your PC, protect bandwidth, and avoid unwanted updates until you’re ready to upgrade. By following these steps, you can prevent Windows 11 downloads while keeping your current system secure and stable.
FAQs
1. Can I stop Windows 11 download permanently?
Yes, using registry edits, Group Policy, or disabling Windows Update service—but security updates may also be blocked.
2. Will pausing updates affect security patches?
Pausing temporarily delays updates, including security patches. Re-enable updates to stay protected.
3. Can I still upgrade to Windows 11 later?
Absolutely. You can upgrade manually when ready using the official installer.
4. Does setting a metered connection stop all downloads?
It stops large updates, including Windows 11, but small critical updates may still download.
5. Is it safe to disable Windows Update service?
Yes, but only temporarily. Make sure to re-enable updates to receive security patches.