Microsoft has been encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, sometimes even automatically downloading the installation files in the background. While Windows 11 brings new features and a modern design, not everyone is ready to upgrade. Maybe you prefer the stability of Windows 10, your hardware isn’t fully compatible, or you simply don’t want to deal with change right now.
The good news? You don’t have to upgrade if you don’t want to. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to stop Windows 11 installation on your computer—step by step.
Why Stop Windows 11 Installation?
Here are some common reasons people choose to delay or block the Windows 11 upgrade:
Compatibility issues: Some apps and hardware may not work properly.
Performance concerns: Older PCs may run slower with Windows 11.
Stability: Windows 10 is more mature and may feel more reliable.
Familiarity: You might prefer Windows 10’s Start Menu, taskbar, or layout.
Control: You want to decide when (or if) to upgrade, not let Microsoft decide for you.
Pause Updates Temporarily
If Windows 11 is trying to install through Windows Update, you can pause updates for a short time.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Click Pause updates for 1 week (you can extend up to 5 weeks).
This is a temporary solution, but it gives you breathing room.
Block Windows 11 with Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise Editions)
If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy Editor.
Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to:
Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.
Choose Enabled.
In the version box, type 21H2 (or your current Windows 10 version).
Click Apply and OK.
This tells Windows to stay on Windows 10 instead of jumping to Windows 11.
Block Windows 11 with Registry Editor (Home Edition)
If you’re on Windows 10 Home, Registry Editor works instead of Group Policy.
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to:
(If the WindowsUpdate key doesn’t exist, create it.)
Right-click in the right panel > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it:
Set the value to 1.
Create another string value named:
Set its value to your Windows 10 version (for example: 21H2, 22H2).
Restart your PC, and it will stick to Windows 10 updates only.
Use the Microsoft Blocker Toolkit
Microsoft provides an official upgrade blocker for IT admins, called the “Windows 11 Blocker Toolkit.”
Download it from Microsoft’s site.
Install and run the tool.
This prevents automatic upgrades to Windows 11 on your PC.
Disable Windows Update Service (Last Resort)
If you want to completely stop updates (including Windows 10 updates), you can disable the Windows Update service.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Find Windows Update in the list.
Right-click > Properties.
Under Startup type, select Disabled.
Click Apply and OK.
⚠️ Warning: This will stop all updates, including security updates. Use only if necessary.
Check If Windows 11 Already Downloaded
Sometimes, Windows 11 files are already downloaded on your PC, taking up space.
Open File Explorer.
Go to:
If you see the folder, it contains Windows 11 setup files. You can safely delete it.
Stop Windows 11 Installation in Progress
If Windows 11 is already trying to install and you want to cancel:
When you see the Windows 11 update screen, don’t continue.
Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
Type:
and press Enter.
Restart your PC, then follow the registry or group policy method above to prevent it from retrying.
Revert Back to Windows 10 (If You Already Upgraded)
If you accidentally upgraded to Windows 11, you still have an option to roll back.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Recovery.
Under Go back, click Go back to restore Windows 10.
⚠️ Note: This option is available only within 10 days of upgrading.
Conclusion
Windows 11 isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. With methods like pausing updates, using Group Policy or Registry tweaks, or even blocking installation files, you can stop Windows 11 installation and stay on Windows 10 for as long as you like.
Remember, Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025, so you still have plenty of time before you need to decide. Until then, you’re in full control of when—or if—you make the jump.
FAQs
Q1: Is it safe to block Windows 11 updates?
Yes, as long as you continue installing Windows 10 updates. Just avoid disabling updates entirely.
Q2: Can I block Windows 11 without admin rights?
No, you’ll need admin rights to use Registry, Group Policy, or services.
Q3: How long will Windows 10 be supported?
Microsoft will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
Q4: What if Windows 11 already installed?
You can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days using the Recovery option.
Q5: Do I lose files by blocking Windows 11?
No, blocking or delaying the upgrade doesn’t affect your files or apps.