How to Stop Windows 11 Update (Block It Forever)

Brithny updated on Oct 24, 2023 to Knowledge Center | How-to Articles

How can you stop the automatic updates on Windows 11? Microsoft may not offer a one-click solution to stop the auto-updates in Windows 11, but you can disable the automatic updates with a few nifty tricks. Read on and you can learn how to stop Windows 11 update in every way.

Quick Tip: How to Cancel Windows 11 Update

If you are in a hurry, follow the steps to stop Windows 11 updates:

  1. 1. Type services.msc in the Run box.
  2. 2. Scroll down to "Windows Update".
  3. 3. Setting "Windows Update" to "Disabled" will stop Windows 11 updates...Full Guide to Disable Windows 11 Update.

Microsoft has released Windows 11, which provides a calm and creative space where you can pursue your passions through a fresh experience. Although Microsoft has said that it's necessary to keep your Windows 11 updated with the latest features and security patches, for whatever reason, you can disable Windows updates.

How to Stop Windows 11 Update in Every Way (5 Ways)

Microsoft has already made it clear that the Windows 11 update won't be forced upon Windows 10 users at launch. If you want to check for Windows 11 update, you need to manually go to "Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update".

But some users have enabled Windows automatic updates, they want to block the auto-update feature to free up the Windows 11 disk space. Therefore, we provide you with effective solutions to stop Windows 11 automatic updates.

  1. 1. Turn off Windows Update Services in Windows 11
  2. 2. Block Windows 11 Update with Group Policy Editor
  3. 3. Pause Windows 11 Updates for Every Week
  4. 4. Stop Windows 11 Update with Registry Editor
  5. 5. Disable Windows 11 Update with Third-party Tool

Notice: Usually, disabling Windows 11 updates will not cause data loss. But if you lose data due to improper operation, stop using your disk immediately and use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to restore lost data.

Solution 1. Turn off Windows Update Services in Windows 11

One of the best methods to stop computerized Windows updates is to turn off Windows update services. The steps are easy enough for a beginner.

Step 1. Press "Window + R" to open the Run window.

Step 2. Open the "Services Window" by typing services.msc and hit the "Enter" key.

Step 3. Locate and pick the "Windows Update" option from the "Services" list, then click the "Stop" button.

Step 4. Change the "Startup Type" to "Disabled" by clicking on the "General" tab.

Solution 2. Block Windows 11 Update with Group Policy Editor

If you don't mind delaying the Windows 11 installation, you can disable/stop Windows 11 update with Group Policy Editor.

Step 1. Press Win + R. Type gpedit.msc to load the Group Policy Editor.

Step 2. Navigate to "Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business".

Step 3. Double-click on "Select the target feature update version".

Step 4. Set the policy to "Enabled", type 21H1 into the field, and close the Group Policy Editor.

Solution 3. Pause Windows 11 Updates Every Week

Another way to disable and prevent Windows 11 updates is to pause the update every week. To pause Windows 11 computerized updates, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Click the Start icon and choose "Settings".

Step 2. Select "Update & Security" and click on "Pause updates for 7 days".

Solution 4. Stop Windows 11 Update with Registry Editor

Besides, you can use Registry Editor to prevent Windows 11 updates. Follow the details below to cancel Windows 11 update now.

Step 1. Press Win + R and type regedit.exe to open Registry Editor.

Step 2. Go to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate".

Step 3. Set the "DWORD (32-bit)" value to 1.

If the value does not exist, right-click on Windows Update, and select New > Dword (32-bit) Value. Then, set the value of TargetReleaseVersionInfo to 21H1.

Solution 5. Disable Windows 11 Update with Third-party Tool

If you are looking for an easy way to stop Windows 11 updates, you can run third-party software - EaseUS Clean Genius. With this tool, you can disable Windows 11 automatic updates permanently without wasting your time. Run this tool and follow the instructions below.

Do you prefer a one-click solution to disable the Windows automatic update feature? If so, get the versatile toolkit - EaseUS CleanGenius to help you. With it, you can disable/enable Windows Update, repair hard drives, remove/enable write-protection, and more within seconds.

To disable Windows Update:

Step 1. DOWNLOAD EaseUS CleanGenius for free and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Launch EaseUS CleanGenius and go to "Optimization".

Step 3. The tool will detect the status of the Windows Update service automatically. If Windows Update is currently enabled, click the switch to stop the service.

Step 4. If you want to check whether you have disabled the service automatically, go to "Start" > type "Services" > right-click "Services" and choose "Run as administrator".

Step 5. In the list of services, find and right-click "Windows Update" > "Properties". In the "Service status" section, you should see the service has been stopped.

Conclusion

I personally like to keep all my devices up-to-date and activate Windows 11 to enjoy the newest features of Windows 11. But Windows updates could be useless sometimes. Keep an eye on what you are downloading and installing on your PC. If you want to disable the automatic update, you can try these solutions above.

Windows 11 Update FAQs

In addition to canceling Windows 11 update, you may also ask the questions below. Read the questions and answers below to get more information about Windows 11.

1. How do I stop Windows Update in Progress?

There are three ways to stop Windows updates in progress:

  • Stop automatic maintenance
  • Stop updates in the Services
  • Stop Windows 10 Pro update

2. How do I stop Windows 11 from downloading?

The steps are easy enough for a beginner.

  • Press Window + R to open the Run window.
  • Open the Services Window by typing services.
  • Locate and pick the "Windows Update" option from the "Services" list, then click the "Stop" button.

3. Why is Windows forcing me to update to Windows 11?

Windows users are forced to install Windows 11 updates because Microsoft wants to use this method to promote Windows 11.

4. How long does the Windows 11 update take?

Between 10 and 20 minutes. On different devices, Windows 11 is installed at different times. For example, it only takes about 10 minutes to update the latest SSD. (Also read: How long does the Windows 11 update take.)