Not quite ready to jump onto Windows 11? Maybe you’re happy with your current setup or a bit worried about compatibility issues. No dramas — stopping the upgrade isn’t too tricky, just a bit of tweaking here and there. You can do it through the usual Windows Update settings, or go the full hog with the Group Policy Editor for a more permanent fix. Here’s what you need to know to keep your PC just the way you like it.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Stop Windows 11 Upgrade
These steps will help you pause or block the upgrade for good or just for now. Need a quick break? Or a longer halt? Both options are here. Just a heads-up, some of this only works on Windows Pro or Enterprise editions.
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit Start and click the gear icon, or press Windows key + I. That opens the Settings window, which is basically your control panel for Windows updates and a lot more.
Step 2: Go to Update & Security
Inside Settings, find and click Update & Security. Yeah, it’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes it hides, especially if Windows is running slow or being a bit fussy.
Step 3: Click on Windows Update
On the left sidebar, select Windows Update. This is where Windows handles updates and gives you options to pause or schedule them.
Step 4: Pause Updates
Click on Pause updates for 7 days or head into Advanced options to set a longer delay, like 35 days. On some setups, clicking that button to extend the pause works, but sometimes, after a reboot or an update, it resets — classic Windows. Because of course, they have to make things tricky.
Pro tip: If that doesn’t do the trick, check your active hours and notification settings — Windows might sneak in updates when you’re not looking.
Step 5: Use Group Policy Editor (For a more permanent solution)
This is where the real magic happens if you want to block the upgrade permanently. Type gpedit.msc in the Run box (Windows key + R) and hit Enter. Then navigate:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows UpdateLook for and double-click Manage Updates offered from Windows Update or similar options; open “Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received” and set it to Enabled. Then, pick options that mean it never offers the upgrade.
Heads-up: This feature’s only in Windows Pro or higher editions, not in the Home version. If you’re on Home, you might need to use third-party tools or tinker with the registry — which can get messy.
Some machines might need a restart after changing these settings, and sometimes, the policies don’t kick in straightaway. If that’s the case, reboot your PC, double-check the policies, and maybe run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Tips for How to Stop Windows 11 Upgrade
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Even if you pause feature updates, keep an eye on security patches through Windows Update — you don’t want your machine missing out on critical fixes.
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Third-party tools like StopUpdates10 can give you more control, especially if you want to block updates longer term without mucking about with Group Policy.
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If fiddling with Group Policy sounds daunting, maybe ask a mate or a pro — it’s easy to stuff things up if you’re not careful.
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Keep an eye on Microsoft’s official blog. They’re always changing things up, and what worked last year might not cut it now.
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Change your mind later? Just go back into Settings and hit resume updates. Dead easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pausing updates affect my PC’s security?
Pausing feature updates doesn’t stop security patches from coming through. Your system still gets critical fixes, so you’re not totally vulnerable — just skipping the new features of Windows 11 for now.
Can I stop the Windows 11 upgrade forever?
Yeah, using Group Policy is the easiest way — if your Windows edition allows it. But heads-up, some updates might still slip through if you’re not careful, or if Microsoft makes a change.
What if I want to upgrade later?
Just head back into Windows Update and click Resume updates or remove any blocks you’ve set. Not hard at all, though it might take a bit for Windows to catch on the change.
Are there any downsides to stopping the upgrade?
For sure. You might miss out on new features, security patches, and performance boosts. But if your current setup does the job, maybe that’s not such a bad call.
Is it safe to use third-party tools?
Generally, yes — as long as they’re reputable. Always download from trusted sources like GitHub or well-known developers, and have a read of reviews. No point risking malware just to block an update.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Pause updates or tweak policies to stop the upgrade.
- If needed, use Group Policy Editor for a more permanent fix.
Hopefully that helps save a few hours. At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping control — Windows can be a bit pushy, but you decide when to upgrade or not. Just be careful, read each step, and know what each setting does. After all, it’s your machine, not theirs.