How to Prevent Automatic Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Objective

This guide provides a method to prevent Windows 10 from automatically upgrading to Windows 11 by modifying the Windows registry settings.

Issues with Automatic Upgrades

• Users have reported that their computers upgraded to Windows 11 without explicit permission.
• Microsoft uses advertising tactics within Windows 10 that may lead users to inadvertently trigger upgrades.
• Automatic upgrade complaints similar to those experienced during the Windows 10 rollout.

Solution: Modify Windows Registry

Steps to Prevent Upgrade

1. Open Registry Editor:

   • Go to Start.
   • Type regedit and press Enter.
   • Approve the User Account Control prompt.

2. Navigate to the Following Path:

   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

3. Create or Modify Keys:

   • Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named TargetReleaseVersion and set its value to 1.
   • Create a String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo and set its value to 22H2 (the latest version for Windows 10).
   • Create a String Value named ProductVersion and set its value to Windows 10.

Alternative for Multiple Systems

• Export Registry Settings:
  • Right-click WindowsUpdate, select Export, name the file descriptively, and save it.
  • Run this file on other computers to apply the same settings.

Considerations

• This method only stops Windows Update from auto-upgrading to Windows 11.
• Users can still manually update to Windows 11 using tools like the Windows Media Creation Tool.
• Leaving these registry settings unchanged after manually upgrading can prevent Windows 11 updates.
• These settings might not work after Windows 10 reaches its end of life (EOL).

Additional Information

• Windows 10's active support ends next year. Post-support changes by Microsoft could affect this workaround.
• If staying on Windows 10 post-EOL, consider exploring Extended Security Updates (ESU) or other solutions.

Final Thoughts

• Ensure users understand these changes won't stop all upgrade paths.
• Consider user education on identifying and avoiding deceptive prompts.
• If looking to upgrade, explore customization options for Windows 11 UI.

Related Content

• Revamp Windows 11 UI customization in another tutorial.

As always, ensure you back up your registry and important data before making changes.