How to Cancel Windows 11 Update and Stay on Windows 10?

Windows 10 service will continue until October 14, 2025, but Microsoft is already encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. While Windows 11 comes with many exciting new features, not everyone is ready to make the jump just yet. You might have essential software that hasn’t been tested on Windows 11, or perhaps you just prefer the familiarity of your current setup.

Whatever the reason, this guide will help you delay the upgrade and stick with Windows 10 for now. Here’s how you can take control of when to upgrade.

Note: If your PC is managed by your organization and you are unable to make these changes yourself, it’s best to contact your IT department or system administrator. They can provide you with further guidance and possibly make the necessary changes on your behalf.

Option 1. Pause Updates

If you only want to pause the Windows 11 update for a short time, the easiest method to do so is via Windows Settings. This method will allow you to put the update on hold for 7 days or more.

1. Press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard at the same time to open Windows Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
   
3. Select Windows Update from the options on the left side.
4. If you see the “Stay on Windows 10 for now” option, click on it.
   Note: Depending on your Windows version and configuration, you might not see the “Stay on Windows 10 for now” option. If that’s the case, follow the steps below:
5. To pause updates, click Pause updates for 7 days.
6. If you need a longer pause, click Advanced options.
7. In Advanced options, expand the dropdown menu under Pause updates.

   

8. You can pause updates for up to 35 days.
9. Select your desired date from the dropdown menu.

Option 2. Block Update using Windows Registry

“TargetReleaseVersionInfo” is a setting you can add to your computer’s registry (a database for configuration settings) to tell Windows which version to use. Specifying a particular version of Windows, this setting ensures that your computer will only receive updates for that version, preventing it from upgrading to a newer version like Windows 11.

This way, you can keep using Windows 10 without worrying about automated updates moving you to the next major release.However, we recommend creating a Registry backup before you proceed, just to be safe.

1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open a Run dialog box.
2. In the text field, type winver and hit Enter to check your current Windows version.
   
3. Note down your current Windows version
4. Next, press Windows + R keys again to open another Run dialog box.
5. In the text field, type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   
6. Navigate to

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

7. If the WindowsUpdate key doesn’t exist, right-click the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
8. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it TargetReleaseVersion. Double-click it and set the Value data to 1.
   
9. Right-click again, select New > String Value, name it TargetReleaseVersionInfo, double-click it, and enter your Windows version (e.g., 21H2 or 21H1) in the Value data.
   
10. Restart your computer to apply the changes and cancel the Windows 11 update.

Option 3. Select Target Release in Group Policy Editor

This is pretty much doing the same thing as shown in Option 2, but using the Group Policy Editor instead of the registry.

Note: This feature may not be available in Windows 10 Home edition, as the Group Policy Editor is typically found in Windows 10 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions.

1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open a Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc in the text field and press Enter.

   

3. Navigate to the following location:

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

4. Double-click on Select the Target Feature Update Version.

   

5. Select Enabled. Under Target Version for Feature Updates, type your preferred version.

   

6. Click Apply and then OK. This will cancel the Windows 11 update.

Option 4. Turn Off Windows Update Service (Not Recommended)

For a more drastic option, you can disable the Windows Update service entirely. But be careful! Doing this will stop all updates, including important security patches.

Don’t forget, you will need to turn this service back on manually when you’re ready to update again. Ignoring updates for too long can put your machine at risk.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Services, and hit Enter.

   

2. In the Services window, find the Windows Update service and double-click on it.

   

3. In the Windows Update Properties dialog box, select Disabled from the Startup type drop-down menu.
4. Click Stop under Service status, then click Apply and OK to save the changes.
   

Option 5. Use a Third-Party Tool

If you prefer not to edit the registry or use the Group Policy Editor, you can use a third-party tool designed to manage Windows updates. Tools like “StopUpdates10” provide an easy-to-use interface for controlling Windows updates. These programs allow you to pause or completely disable updates with just a few clicks, ensuring your system stays on Windows 10 without automatically upgrading to Windows 11.

By following these steps, you can easily manage and delay the upgrade to Windows 11 according to your needs. Remember, each method comes with its own set of pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your situation.

Have you tried any of these steps? Did they work for you? Share your experiences and additional tips in the comments below.