How to Stop Windows 11 Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 8, 2025

Microsoft has been pushing Windows 11 pretty hard. If you’re running Windows 10, you’ve probably seen those “Upgrade to Windows 11” pop-ups, or maybe the update has already started downloading in the background.

But what if you’re not ready to switch yet? Maybe you prefer Windows 10’s stability, you’re worried about compatibility issues, or you just don’t like change. Whatever the reason, the good news is that you can stop the Windows 11 upgrade—and this guide will show you exactly how.

Why Stop the Windows 11 Upgrade?

Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about why someone might want to block the upgrade:

  • Stability: Windows 10 is mature and stable, while Windows 11 is still evolving.

  • Compatibility: Some older apps and hardware don’t play nicely with Windows 11.

  • Performance: Low-end PCs may run slower on Windows 11.

  • Personal Preference: Maybe you just like Windows 10 better.

Method 1: Pause Updates from Windows Settings

This is the simplest way to delay the upgrade.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.

  3. Under Pause updates, choose the maximum available time (up to 5 weeks).

👉 Keep in mind, this only pauses updates temporarily.

Method 2: Use the Windows Update Blocker Tool

Third-party tools like Windows Update Blocker let you stop updates with a single click.

Steps

  1. Download Windows Update Blocker (WUB).

  2. Open the app and select Disable Updates.

  3. Click Apply Now.

This prevents both Windows 10 updates and the Windows 11 upgrade.

Method 3: Disable Windows Update Service

This method stops Windows from checking for updates entirely.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find Windows Update in the list.

  3. Right-click it, select Properties.

  4. Change Startup type to Disabled.

  5. Click Stop, then Apply.

Now, Windows will no longer auto-upgrade.

Method 4: Block Windows 11 Upgrade via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise Only)

If you’re on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy Editor.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business

  3. Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.

  4. Enable it and set the version to 21H2 (Windows 10’s version).

  5. Click Apply and OK.

This locks your PC to Windows 10 updates only.

Method 5: Block Upgrade Using Registry Editor

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when editing the registry.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

    (Create the WindowsUpdate key if it doesn’t exist.)

  3. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  4. Name it: TargetReleaseVersion → Set value to 1.

  5. Create another string value: TargetReleaseVersionInfo → Set value to 21H2.

This tells Windows to stick with Windows 10 version 21H2.

Method 6: Block Upgrade via Microsoft’s Official Tool

Microsoft provides a tool called Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.

Steps

  1. Download the wushowhide.diagcab tool from Microsoft’s site.

  2. Run it and select Hide Updates.

  3. Choose Feature update to Windows 11.

  4. Finish the wizard.

This hides the Windows 11 upgrade so it won’t install.

Method 7: Mark Your Connection as Metered

When your connection is set as metered, Windows avoids downloading big updates like Windows 11.

Steps

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

  2. Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

  3. Toggle Metered connection ON.

Method 8: Stop Windows 11 Upgrade Using Task Scheduler

Windows sometimes schedules upgrade tasks.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc.

  2. Navigate to:

    Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > UpdateOrchestrator

  3. Disable tasks related to Upgrade or Scan Install.

Method 9: Use Local Group Policy to Defer Updates

Another option for Pro users:

  1. Open gpedit.msc.

  2. Go to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Defer Upgrades and Updates

  3. Set it to Enabled and choose how long to defer feature updates (up to 365 days).

Method 10: Rename or Block Update Assistant

If the Windows 10 Update Assistant keeps reappearing:

  1. Go to C:\Windows\UpdateAssistant.

  2. Rename the folder to UpdateAssistant.bak.

  3. Block it from running again by disabling scheduled tasks linked to it.

Best Practices When Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade

  • Always install security updates to protect your system.

  • Avoid disabling updates completely unless you manually patch your PC.

  • If using Registry or Group Policy methods, document your changes so you can reverse them later.

Risks of Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade

  • You’ll miss new features introduced in Windows 11.

  • Some future apps may require Windows 11.

  • Eventually, Windows 10 support ends (October 14, 2025).

Conclusion

Windows 11 may be the future, but you don’t have to upgrade if you’re not ready. Whether you want to stick with Windows 10 for stability, compatibility, or personal preference, you have multiple ways to stop the upgrade—from pausing updates in Settings to using Group Policy or Registry tweaks.

Choose the method that fits your needs best. And remember, even if you block Windows 11, keep your PC safe by regularly installing security updates for Windows 10.

FAQs

Q1: Can I permanently stop the Windows 11 upgrade?
Yes—using Group Policy or Registry Editor to lock your PC to Windows 10.

Q2: Is it safe to block Windows 11 updates?
Yes, but don’t skip important security patches.

Q3: What happens if Windows 11 installs automatically?
You can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days.

Q4: Will Windows 10 stop working after 2025?
No, but Microsoft will stop releasing security updates, making it risky to use.

Q5: Can I block Windows 11 on Windows 10 Home edition?
Yes, using Registry Editor, metered connection, or third-party tools.

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