How to Cancel the Upgrade to Windows 11

Many users prefer to stick with the tried-and-tested Windows 10 instead of upgrading to Windows 11 when prompted. If you want to prevent the automatic upgrade and keep your current operating system, follow our step-by-step guide below.

Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor (For Pro and Enterprise Editions)

If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable the upgrade using the Group Policy Editor:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
  3. Find the setting named "Turn off the upgrade to the latest version of Windows through Windows Update" and double-click on it.
  4. Select Enabled and click OK.

This will prevent your computer from offering the upgrade to Windows 11.

Method 2: Disabling via the Registry (For All Windows Versions)

If you are using Windows Home or prefer to use the Registry Editor, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named TargetReleaseVersion and set its value to 1.
  4. Create another String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo and enter your current Windows version, e.g., 21H2 (for Windows 10).

Now, the system will stick to the specified Windows version and will not automatically upgrade to Windows 11.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Tools

If you prefer not to make changes manually, there are third-party utilities like O&O ShutUp10 or Winaero Tweaker that can help you disable the upgrade to Windows 11 with a single click. Simply download and install the tool, follow the instructions, and select the appropriate options.

Method 4: Declining the Upgrade Prompt

If you’ve already received the upgrade notification, you can decline the installation:

  1. Open the Windows Update settings.
  2. Locate the Windows 11 upgrade notification and click Defer Update or Hide Update.
  3. Use the Show or Hide Updates troubleshooter from Microsoft to hide the upgrade.