Whatever your reason, this guide will help you postpone the upgrade and keep using Windows 10 for now. Here’s how you can take control of when you choose to update. Note: If your PC is managed by your organization and you can’t make these changes yourself, it’s best to contact your IT department or system administrator. They can provide more guidance and might be able to make these adjustments for you.
1. Pause Updates
If you want to temporarily delay the Windows 11 update, the simplest way is to pause updates through Windows Settings. This option lets you postpone updates for 7 days or more.
2. Block Update using Windows Registry
The “TargetReleaseVersionInfo” setting is a configuration you can add to your computer’s registry (the database that stores Windows settings) to specify which Windows version you want to stay on. By setting a specific version, you ensure your PC only gets updates for that version and won’t upgrade to a newer one like Windows 11 automatically. This helps you keep using Windows 10 without worrying about surprise upgrades. For safety, make sure to create a registry backup before making any changes.
3. Set Target Release in Group Policy Editor
This option does the same thing as Option 2, but you’ll use the Group Policy Editor instead of editing the registry manually. Note: The Group Policy Editor is available mostly in Windows 10 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions, and may not be present in the Home edition.
4. Turn Off Windows Update Service (Not Recommended)
If you want a more permanent solution, you can disable the Windows Update service entirely. Please be careful though! Disabling this service will stop all updates, including important security and bug fixes. Remember, you’ll need to manually turn the update service back on when you’re ready for updates again. Avoid leaving updates turned off for too long, as it can make your computer vulnerable.
5. Use a Third-Party Tool
If you’re not comfortable editing the registry or using the Group Policy Editor, third-party tools designed to manage Windows updates can help. Programs like “StopUpdates10” offer user-friendly interfaces for controlling Windows updates. With these tools, you can pause or completely disable updates with just a few clicks, ensuring your computer stays on Windows 10 without unexpected upgrades to Windows 11. By following these steps, you can easily manage when (or if) you move to Windows 11—according to your needs. Remember, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the option that best fits your situation. Have you tried any of these steps? Did they work for you? Share your experiences and any additional tips in the comments below.
