Windows 11 installed automatically ? Can I prevent the update ?

When I have Windows 10 on my PC, will be Windows 11 installed automatically without asking ? Can I decide to not install Windows 11 and prevent the update ?

Hi,

The upgrade of Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be done through Windows Update. It depends on your settings, whether updates are installed automatically on your computer or not. In case you want or don't want to be Windows 10 upgraded to Windows 11, there are several options what to do.

The first option is to wait until you are notified through Windows Update, that the upgrade to Windows 11 is ready for your PC.

The second option is to download and install Windows 11 as soon as possible. You have to go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Then you have to click on Check for updates. There is a check if your PC can run Windows 11:





If your PC is compatible with Windows 11, you should see the following screen, where you can choose to Download and install or Stay on Windows 10 for now:





The third option is to postpone the installation of Windows 11. You can click on Pause updates for 7 more days. If you need to temporarily postpone it for more days, you have to click on Advanced options and pause updates from being installed on your device for up to 35 days:





Another option how to stop upgrade to Windows 11 is to block the automatic update. Depending on your Windows version, you can do this in Local Group Policy Editor or in Registry Editor. To stop the update, it is needed to manually change some values. This option requires a bit more experience, so it is recommended to follow the official instructions.

In Registry Editor, is it possible to prevent upgrade in: KEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate

In Local Group Policy Editor, it is possible to do it in:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

When upgrade of Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be ready for your PC, you should see an notification on the taskbar:



You should also see the following screen, when you turn on the PC. There is an option to click on Get to upgrade to Windows 11 or you can click on Decline upgrade: