Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system, but not everyone is eager to make the switch. Maybe you’re happy with Windows 10, or perhaps your PC just runs smoother without the new updates. The problem is, Microsoft keeps pushing Windows 11 upgrades—sometimes even downloading the installer in the background.
So how do you stop Windows 11 from installing on your computer? That’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this guide. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy tinkerer, I’ll walk you through multiple methods step by step.
Why Would You Want to Stop Windows 11 from Installing?
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why:
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Performance Concerns – Some older PCs run slower on Windows 11.
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App Compatibility – Certain apps may work better on Windows 10.
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Learning Curve – Windows 11 has a different layout and design.
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Stability – Some users prefer waiting until new systems are more polished.
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Preference – Simply put, you might just like Windows 10 better.
It’s like upgrading your car—sometimes the new model isn’t better for your driving style.
Method 1: Pause Updates in Windows 10
If you only want to temporarily stop Windows 11 from installing, the easiest way is to pause updates.
Step 1: Open Windows Update Settings
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Step 2: Pause Updates
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Click on Pause updates for 7 days.
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You can extend it up to 35 days.
This won’t block Windows 11 forever, but it buys you time.
Method 2: Block Windows 11 Using Group Policy (Pro Edition Users)
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can stop Windows 11 using Group Policy.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update Policies
Go to:
Step 3: Choose Target Feature Update Version
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Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.
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Enable the policy.
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Under Target Version for Feature Updates, type:
(or whichever Windows 10 version you want to stay on).
This locks your PC to Windows 10.
Method 3: Block Windows 11 Using Registry Editor
If you’re on Windows 10 Home, you don’t have Group Policy, but you can use the Registry.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when editing the Registry.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the Policies Key
Go to:
If the WindowsUpdate folder doesn’t exist, create it.
Step 3: Add TargetReleaseVersion Keys
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Right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it:
Set the value to 1.
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Right-click → New > String Value. Name it:
Set the value to your desired version (e.g., 21H2 for Windows 10).
Restart your PC. Now, Windows Update won’t try to upgrade you to Windows 11.
Method 4: Disable Windows Update Service
If you’re tired of Microsoft’s upgrade reminders, you can completely turn off Windows Update.
Step 1: Open Services
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Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Find Windows Update
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Scroll down to Windows Update.
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Right-click → Properties.
Step 3: Disable It
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Set Startup type to Disabled.
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Click Stop, then Apply.
This will completely stop updates—including security patches—so use this with caution.
Method 5: Use Microsoft’s Blocker Toolkit
Microsoft has provided an Update Blocker Toolkit for businesses that want to prevent automatic upgrades.
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Download the Blocker Toolkit from Microsoft’s site.
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Run the setup and apply the block.
This ensures Windows 11 won’t sneak in through automatic updates.
Method 6: Use Third-Party Tools
If you don’t want to mess with system settings, third-party tools make blocking upgrades easy:
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O&O ShutUp10++ – Free privacy and update control tool.
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WuMgr – Lets you control Windows updates manually.
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StopWinUpdates – Specifically blocks unwanted upgrades.
These tools are beginner-friendly and let you undo changes anytime.
Method 7: Turn Off Windows Insider Program
If you accidentally joined the Windows Insider Program, you may be pushed into Windows 11 early.
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Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.
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Click Stop getting preview builds.
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Unenroll your device.
This ensures you won’t get forced upgrades.
How to Check if Windows 11 Is Already Downloading
Sometimes Windows downloads the upgrade in the background without asking. To check:
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Go to C:$WINDOWS.~BT or C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
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If you see large files (several GBs), Windows 11 is being downloaded.
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You can safely delete them to stop the install.
Re-Enabling Updates Later
If you change your mind and want Windows 11 later:
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Undo your Group Policy or Registry settings.
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Enable Windows Update services again.
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Run Windows Update to install the upgrade.
Pros of Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade
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Stay on stable Windows 10 until 2025.
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Avoid hardware compatibility issues.
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Save time if you’re not ready for change.
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Control when (or if) you upgrade.
Cons of Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade
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You’ll miss out on new features.
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Future app support may lean toward Windows 11.
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You’ll eventually need to upgrade since Windows 10 support ends in October 2025.
It’s like holding off on buying a new phone—you keep your old one until you’re truly ready.
Conclusion
Microsoft really wants you on Windows 11, but you don’t have to rush. With the right tweaks—whether it’s pausing updates, using Group Policy, editing the Registry, or disabling services—you can stop Windows 11 from installing and stick with Windows 10 as long as you want.
The key is taking control of your updates so your PC stays exactly how you like it.
FAQs
Q1: Is it legal to block Windows 11 updates?
Yes, you have full control over whether or not to upgrade your PC.
Q2: Will Microsoft force me to upgrade to Windows 11?
No, but they strongly encourage it. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025.
Q3: Can I still get security updates if I block Windows 11?
Yes, you’ll keep receiving Windows 10 updates until 2025.
Q4: What happens if Windows 11 has already downloaded?
You can delete the upgrade files and block updates to stop the installation.
Q5: Can I upgrade later if I block Windows 11 now?
Absolutely! Just undo the settings and run Windows Update.