Quick Tip: How to Cancel a Windows 11 Update

How to Cancel Windows 11 Update

To quickly stop a Windows 11 update, follow these steps:

    1. Type services.msc in the Run box. 2. Scroll down and find "Windows Update." 3. Setting "Windows Update" to "Disabled" will prevent Windows 11 updates from installing... Full guide: Disable Windows 11 Updates.

Microsoft has released Windows 11, which provides a calm and creative space for you to pursue your passions with new experiences. Although Microsoft states that it's essential to keep your Windows 11 updated with the latest features and security patches, you can disable Windows Update for some reason.

How to Block Windows 11 Update in 5 Different Ways

Microsoft has made it clear that the Windows 11 update won't be forced on Windows 10 users when it's released. If you want to check for the Windows 11 update, you'll need to go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update manually.

However, some users who have enabled Windows Update want to stop automatic updates to free up disk space on their Windows 11. Therefore, we've provided you with some effective solutions to stop Windows 11 from updating automatically.

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

Note: Disabling Windows 11 updates generally doesn't lead to data loss. However, if you experience data loss due to incorrect operations, immediately stop using the hard drive and use the Data Recovery Wizard tool to restore your lost data.

Solution 1: Disable the Windows Update Service in Windows 11 To address this issue, you can temporarily disable the Windows Update service in Windows 11. Follow these steps: 1. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type `services.msc` in the Run dialog, then press `Enter`. 3. This will open the "Services" window. Locate the following two services: - `Windows Update` - `Windows Update Medic Service` (if present) 4. Double-click each service to open its Properties window. 5. For each service, change the Startup type to "Disabled." 6. If the service is running, click the "Stop" button to immediately stop the service. 7. Confirm the changes and close all Properties windows. 8. After that, restart your computer. Please note that disabling the Windows Update service may prevent you from receiving important security updates and patches. Therefore, it's recommended to re-enable these services after resolving the issue to keep your system secure.

One of the best ways to block automated Windows updates is to disable the Windows Update service. The steps are simple enough for beginners.

Step 1: Press the "Windows + R" keys to open the Run window.

Step 2: Type services.msc to open the Services window, and press "Enter."

Turn Off Windows 11 Update - 1

Step 3: Locate and select the "Windows Update" service in the list, and then click the "Stop" button.

Step 4. Click the “General” tab and change the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”

Turn Off Windows 11 Update - 2

Solution 2: Block Windows 11 Update with Group Policy Editor

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

Step 1: Press Win + R. Type in gpedit.msc to open the Group Policy Editor.

Turn Off Group Policy to Block Windows 11 Update - 1

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

Stop Windows 11 with Group Policy Editor

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

Disable Windows 11 Update Using Group Policy - 2

Step 4: Set the policy to Enabled, type 21H1 in the field, and then close the Group Policy Editor.

Solution 3: Pause Windows 11 Updates Every Week

Another way to disable and prevent Windows 11 updates is by pausing them weekly. To pause automatic updates on Windows 11, follow these steps.

Step 1: Click on the "Start" icon and select "Settings."

Pause Windows Update Once a Week - 1

Step 2: Select “Update & Security,” then click “Pause updates for 7 days.”

Pause Windows Update Once a Week-2

Solution 4: Stop Windows 11 Update Using the Registry Editor

Alternatively, you can use the Registry Editor to block the Windows 11 update. Follow these detailed steps now to undo the Windows 11 update.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type in regedit.exe, and open the Registry Editor.

Use Registry Editor to Disable Windows 11 Update - 1

Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.

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

Use Registry Editor to Disable Windows 11 Update - 2

If the value doesn't exist, right-click Windows Update, and then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the value TargetReleaseVersionInfo, and set its value to 21H1.

Solution 5: Disable Windows 11 Updates with Third-Party Tools

If you're looking for an easy way to block Windows 11 updates, you can use third-party software like Clean Genius. This tool allows you to permanently disable Windows 11 auto-updates without wasting any time. Run the utility and follow these steps.

Would you like to disable Windows Update with just one click? If so, you can use the powerful tool – CleanGenius to help you. With it, you can disable/enable Windows Update, fix hard disk, remove/enable write protection, and more in seconds.

Disable Windows Update:

Step 1: Download and install CleanGenius for free on your computer.

Step 2: Launch CleanGenius and go to “Optimize.”

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

Disable Windows Update

Step 4: To check if the service was disabled automatically, go to Start > Type “Services” > Right-click “Services” and select “Run as administrator.”

Step 5: In the Services list, right-click on "Windows Update" and select "Properties." Under "Service status," you should see that the service is stopped.

Check for Windows updates

Conclusions

Personally, I prefer to keep all my devices up to date and activate Windows 11 to enjoy the latest features. However, a Windows update might not always be useful. Pay attention to what downloads and installs on your computer. If you want to disable automatic updates, give the solutions above a try.

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11 Updates

In addition to learning how to uninstall Windows 11, you might have other questions. Read through the questions and answers below to learn more about the operating system.

How do I stop a Windows update in progress?

There are three ways to stop an ongoing Windows Update:

    • Stop automatic maintenance
    • Stop in-progress updates
    • Block Windows 10 Pro updates

How do I stop Windows 11 from downloading?

These steps are simple enough for beginners.

    • Press Windows + R to open the "Run" window.
    • Type "services" and hit Enter to open the "Services" window.
    • In the "Services" list, find and select "Windows Update," then click the "Stop" button.

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

Users of Windows 10 are being forced to install the update because Microsoft wants to push people towards Windows 11.

4. How long does the Windows 11 update take?

It takes between 10 to 20 minutes. The time it takes to install Windows 11 varies depending on the device. For instance, with the latest SSDs, the update should only take around 10 minutes. (How long does a Windows 11 update take?)