I hopped off for a fast espresso at work the opposite day, solely to find upon my return a popup that learn “Windows 11 (opens in new tab) is downloading.” Now I would not thought of learn how to block Home windows 11 earlier than, however solely since I had assumed Microsoft would a minimum of ask me first earlier than putting in its most up-to-date OS.
My preliminary thought was that one in all my work mates sneakily clicked OK when it popped up and requested for permission to obtain. All of them denied involvement—my boss, in reality, wishes Microsoft had been brave enough not to release Windows 11 (opens in new tab) in any respect, so I doubt it was him.
Anyway, a fast sweep of the online confirmed lots of people looking out learn how to cease Home windows 11that it is not unusual for Windows 11 to download and install without permission (opens in new tab). Lots of people are getting the identical undesirable notification that Windows 11 was installing (opens in new tab), which is being known as the Home windows 11 ‘push’ by websites like Computer World (opens in new tab).
I would been declining the improve for months, and I am fairly certain it had gotten to the purpose the place every time my display flashed with “We suggest Home windows 11 in your system,” my solely possibility was to put in it now, or remind me later.
I imply, actually Microsoft? No means no. Mainly I assumed it greatest to share learn how to cease Home windows 11 from putting in altogether, so you do not get backed right into a nook by Microsoft too. After all, you could possibly at all times temporarily prevent Windows 10 updates (opens in new tab) however the best and everlasting manner is to dam updates altogether.
When you’ve already been compelled into the Home windows 11 membership, however aren’t satisfied (regardless of probably the most recent update having fixed game crash woes (opens in new tab)) step one is to Revert.
Revert to Home windows 10
Reverting to Home windows 10 is easy sufficient, supplied you might be nonetheless inside the grace interval that permits you revert to Windows 10 within a specified timeframe (opens in new tab) of 10 days.
Simply navigate to the Begin menu, then go into Settings > Home windows Replace > Superior choices > Restoration, and choose Earlier model of Home windows.
Ensure that to notice down the precise model of Home windows 10 you are on, we’ll want that later—it will be within the format of 21H1, or comparable, relying on which model you are reverting to.
Utilizing Regedit
When you’re utilizing Home windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Schooling version, you need to use the Local Group Policy Editor (opens in new tab). House version customers might want to soar into the Registry Editor as a substitute, as there isn’t any entry to the previous on House.
First mash Home windows+R, then paste regedit within the Open field, and run it.
If a Person Account Management immediate pops up, hit Sure.
Within the Registry Editor, navigate right here: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate
If the WindowsUpdate listing is not there simply proper click on the Home windows listing, select New, then Key, paste WindowsUpdate in there and press Enter.
The subsequent step includes finding the TargetReleaseVersion file in the fitting pane and double clicking it.
If it does not exist but, proper click on the clean house and choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Worth, and paste TargetReleaseVersion in there. Then hit Enter and now double click on it.
Within the Worth knowledge field that seems, enter 1, and hit OK.
If there is a TargetReleaseVersionInfo entry there already, double click on it.
If not, proper click on the clean house once more and choose New, then String Worth, and paste TargetReleaseVersionInfo earlier than hitting Enter. Now you’ll be able to double click on that.
While you get into the Edit String immediate, below Worth knowledge merely paste the version of Windows you’re looking to stick with (opens in new tab), and hit OK.
Now, merely restart and that ought to maintain Home windows 11 from putting in altogether.
Keep in mind although, you will have to replace manually in case you see a version of Windows 10 (opens in new tab) that catches your eye. To take action, merely undergo the method once more and alter the model the place you entered it final.
Utilizing the Native Group Coverage Editor
If you do not have Native Group Coverage Editor, however want to set up it, you’ll be able to allow it by following the steps here (opens in new tab).
First press Home windows+R in your keyboard, then paste gpedit.msc into the field and run.
Merely use the aspect panel to navigate to Native Pc Coverage > Pc Configuration > Administrative Templates > Home windows Parts > Home windows Replace > Home windows Replace for Enterprise.
Then double click on Choose the Goal Characteristic Replace model and Allow it within the high left test packing containers.
Beneath that, within the Goal Model for Characteristic Updates field, paste the model you need to stick to. Apply it, and click on OK.
That is it. Now simply restart and experience the truth that Microsoft has nothing on you.
