If you’re running Windows 10 and you’re not quite ready to make the jump to Windows 11, you might be looking to stop the automatic update to the new operating system. Lucky for you, it’s not too hard to pause those updates and keep your current setup just the way you like it.
How to Stop Windows 11 Update in Windows 10
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to stop the automatic update to Windows 11 on your Windows 10 machine. By following these steps, you’ll be able to control when and if you upgrade to the new OS.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
First, open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
The Settings app is your gateway to controlling your system. You can find almost everything you need here, including update settings.
Step 2: Go to Update & Security
Once in the Settings app, navigate to the “Update & Security” section.
This section is where you’ll find all the options related to Windows updates, including the settings to pause or delay upgrades.
Step 3: Click on Advanced Options
Inside the “Update & Security” section, click on “Advanced options.”
The Advanced options page gives you more control over how and when updates are installed on your system.
Step 4: Pause Updates
Under Advanced Options, find the section labeled “Pause updates” and select the date until when you want to pause updates.
Pausing updates is a simple way to delay Windows from automatically upgrading your system to Windows 11.
Step 5: Use Group Policy Editor (Pro and Enterprise Users)
Open the Group Policy Editor by typing “gpedit.msc” into the Run dialog (Win+R), then navigate to “Windows Update for Business” settings under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business.
The Group Policy Editor gives you even more granular control over your system updates, but it’s only available in Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 10.
Step 6: Defer Feature Updates
In the Group Policy Editor, set the “Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received” policy to defer updates for up to 365 days.
This will effectively push back any major OS updates, including the upgrade to Windows 11, for up to a year.
After completing these steps, your Windows 10 machine will stop trying to upgrade to Windows 11, giving you peace of mind and control over your system.
Tips to Stop Windows 11 Update in Windows 10
- Make sure to regularly check for other important updates even if you’ve paused feature updates.
- Consider setting a calendar reminder for when your paused updates period is coming to an end.
- Remember that pausing updates will not stop security patches, which are crucial for keeping your system safe.
- Use the Group Policy Editor for more advanced settings and greater control over your system.
- If you’re not comfortable making these changes, you might want to consult someone with more technical expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently stop the Windows 11 update?
No, you can’t permanently stop updates, but you can defer them for a significant period.
Will pausing updates affect my system’s security?
No, pausing updates will not stop crucial security patches from being installed.
Can I reverse these changes if I decide to upgrade later?
Yes, you can easily undo these settings by going back into the appropriate sections and adjusting the settings.
Do these steps work for all versions of Windows 10?
Group Policy Editor steps work only for Pro and Enterprise editions, while other steps are applicable to all versions.
What happens after the pause period ends?
Your system will resume checking for and installing updates, including potential upgrades to Windows 11.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Pause Updates.
- Use Group Policy Editor (Pro and Enterprise Users).
- Defer Feature Updates.
Conclusion
By following these straightforward steps, you can stop the Windows 11 update in Windows 10 and maintain your current system setup. Whether you’re not ready for the new features, or you want more time to see how Windows 11 performs, pausing the update gives you control over your device.
Remember, pausing updates is a temporary solution, but it buys you valuable time. Regularly revisit your update settings to ensure your system remains secure and up to date. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with others who might benefit from stopping the Windows 11 update in Windows 10. For further reading, consider looking into advanced settings in the Group Policy Editor to gain even more control over your Windows updates.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.