How to Stop the Windows 11 Upgrade from Automatically Installing: Keep Your Windows 10 Experience Intact

Windows 11 has been available for some time now, and while many users have embraced the new features and look, not everyone is ready to make the switch from Windows 10.

Whether you’re satisfied with your current setup, worried about compatibility with older hardware or software, or simply prefer the familiar interface of Windows 10, there are ways to delay or prevent the automatic upgrade to Windows 11.

If you’re not ready to dive into Windows 11 just yet, don’t worry. You can keep your Windows 10 system intact for as long as you want. In this article, we'll walk you through several methods to stop Windows 11 from installing automatically, and we’ll also show you how to roll back a Windows 11 upgrade in case it’s already been pushed onto your system.

Why Some Users Might Not Be Ready for Windows 11

Before we jump into the steps, let's take a moment to explore why some users may want to hold off on upgrading to Windows 11:

Compatibility Issues: Windows 11 has stricter system requirements than Windows 10. For example, it requires a compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz speed and two cores, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It also needs a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card and requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, which older devices might not support.
Familiarity with Windows 10: Many users are comfortable with Windows 10 and prefer the interface and the way the system works. The changes in Windows 11, such as the centered Start Menu, the new taskbar layout, and updated system requirements, might be more disruptive than beneficial for some.
Software and Driver Support: Some users may rely on specific software or hardware peripherals that aren’t yet fully compatible with Windows 11. Upgrading prematurely could lead to software malfunctions or hardware incompatibility.
Stability Concerns: As with any major OS update, Windows 11 might have some bugs or issues that need ironing out. If you rely on your computer for critical tasks, it’s often wise to wait until an OS has matured and received several updates before upgrading.

Now that we've covered some reasons to stay with Windows 10, let’s discuss how to prevent the Windows 11 upgrade from automatically installing on your machine.

How to Prevent the Windows 11 Upgrade from Installing

1. Pause Windows Updates

One of the easiest ways to prevent the upgrade to Windows 11 is by temporarily pausing Windows Updates. This method can help delay the upgrade while you decide what to do.

Here’s how you can pause updates:

Open Settings: Press the Windows key and click on the gear icon to open Settings, or press Windows + I.
Go to Update & Security: In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security,” which is where all your update settings are located.
Pause Updates: Under the “Windows Update” tab, you’ll see an option to "Pause updates for 7 days." Click on that to temporarily stop Windows from installing updates, including the Windows 11 upgrade.

If you want to pause updates for longer, click on “Advanced options” and select a date for when you’d like the updates to resume.

2. Adjust Group Policy to Block Windows 11 Upgrade

For more control, you can adjust the Group Policy settings to prevent the automatic upgrade to Windows 11. Group Policy is available in the Professional and Enterprise versions of Windows 10.

Follow these steps to modify Group Policy:

Open the Local Group Policy Editor: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to Windows Update Settings: In the Local Group Policy Editor, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business.
Enable the “Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received” Policy: Double-click on this policy to open its settings. Select “Enabled” and then set the option to “Semi-Annual Channel.” This will prevent Windows 11 from being automatically pushed to your system, as it will only receive updates related to Windows 10.
Apply the Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

3. Block Windows 11 Upgrade Using Registry Editor

If you’re comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can also stop the upgrade through the Registry Editor. This method is a bit more advanced and should be done carefully.

Here’s how to use the Registry Editor to block the Windows 11 upgrade:

Open the Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to the Windows Update Registry Key: In the Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\
Create a New Key: Right-click on WindowsUpdate in the left panel, select New, and then click on Key. Name it TargetReleaseVersion.
Set the Value: In the right panel, right-click on the blank space, select New, and then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it TargetReleaseVersion and set its value to 1.
Set the Target Version: Right-click in the right panel again, select New > String Value, and name it TargetReleaseVersionInfo. Set its value to 21H2 or another version of Windows 10 you want to stay with.
Save and Exit: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Disable Windows 11 Features in the Settings Menu

In addition to the above steps, you can also disable certain features in Windows 10 that might push you towards Windows 11.

Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Update.”
Advanced Options: Under Advanced Options, disable options like “Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows” to limit the upgrade processes.

5. Uninstall Windows 11 if You’ve Already Upgraded

In case the upgrade to Windows 11 has already happened but you want to roll back to Windows 10, Microsoft allows you to uninstall the upgrade within 10 days of the upgrade.

To roll back Windows 11 to Windows 10:

Go to Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
Select Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security” and select the “Recovery” option from the left menu.
Rollback Option: Under the “Go back to Windows 10” section, click on “Get started.” You’ll be asked to provide a reason for rolling back.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The rollback process will take some time, and your system will be restored to Windows 10. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding with this option.

Conclusion

While Windows 11 offers many exciting features, there’s no rush to switch if you're not ready. With a few simple adjustments in your settings, you can prevent the automatic upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and continue using the operating system you’re comfortable with.

From pausing updates to modifying Group Policy or using the Registry Editor, you have several options at your disposal to stay in control of your Windows upgrade process. Follow the steps that suit your needs and preferences, and you can enjoy the stability of Windows 10 for as long as you like.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I permanently stop the upgrade to Windows 11?

While it’s not possible to permanently block the upgrade, you can delay the process for as long as you like by using the methods outlined above. This includes pausing updates, modifying Group Policy, or editing the registry.

What if Windows 11 has already been installed on my PC?

If Windows 11 is already installed on your computer, you can roll back to Windows 10 within the first 10 days of the upgrade by following the rollback procedure described in this article.

Will blocking the upgrade affect my current updates for Windows 10?

No, blocking the upgrade to Windows 11 doesn’t prevent you from receiving regular security and feature updates for Windows 10. You’ll still get the latest patches and improvements for Windows 10.

By following these tips, you can continue using Windows 10 and avoid the automatic upgrade to Windows 11 until you're ready for it!