How To Stop Windows 11 24h2 Update

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Windows-11

Hey there! Ever felt like Windows updates arrive at the most inconvenient times? You're in the right place! The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update promises some exciting features, but maybe you're not ready for it just yet, or perhaps you prefer to have more control over when major updates are installed. Whatever your reason, let's dive into how you can manage and temporarily halt the Windows 11 24H2 update.

Step 1: Understanding Your Options - Take Control!

Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand that completely and permanently stopping major Windows updates isn't generally recommended due to security patches and important improvements they bring. However, Microsoft provides several built-in ways to delay or pause these updates for a certain period. We'll explore these legitimate methods to give you more control without compromising your system's security in the long run.

Step 2: Utilizing the Settings App - Your First Line of Defense

The Settings app offers the most straightforward ways to manage updates.

2.1 Pausing Updates Temporarily

This is the easiest method to delay updates for a set period.

  1. Open the Settings App: You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or by searching for "Settings" in the Start Menu and clicking on it.  
  2. Navigate to Windows Update: In the Settings app, scroll down and click on "Windows Update" located at the bottom of the left-hand sidebar.
  3. Explore Pause Options:
    • You'll see a section labeled "Pause updates". Click on the dropdown menu beneath it.
    • Here, you can select a duration to pause updates, ranging from 1 week up to 5 weeks. Choose your desired period.
    • Important Note: Once the pause period expires, updates will automatically resume. You can pause again afterward, but there's a limit to how long you can continuously pause.

2.2 Advanced Options for More Control

For more granular control, the "Advanced options" section within Windows Update is your friend.

  1. Access Advanced Options: On the Windows Update page, click on "Advanced options".
  2. Understand the Settings: Here, you'll find several settings to customize your update experience.
    • "Receive updates for other Microsoft products": You can toggle this on or off based on whether you want updates for other Microsoft software installed on your system.
    • "Download updates over metered connections": Decide if you want updates to download even when you're on a limited data connection. It's generally recommended to keep this off to avoid unexpected data charges.
    • "Update when I'm not using my device": Windows tries to install updates when your device is idle. Ensure this is toggled on for smoother, less disruptive updates in the future.
    • "Choose when updates are installed": This section allows you to further refine update scheduling.
      • "Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating": Turning this on gives you a heads-up before a restart, allowing you to save your work.
      • "Active hours": Set specific hours when you typically use your device. Windows will avoid automatically restarting during these hours. Click on "Adjust active hours" to customize this. You can either set them manually or let Windows adjust them automatically based on your usage.

Step 3: Using Group Policy Editor (for Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions) - Unlocking Deeper Control

If you're using a Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows 11, the Group Policy Editor offers more advanced control over updates.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type "gpedit.msc", and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update Policies: In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate through the following path in the left-hand pane:
    • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update  
  3. Configure Target Feature Update Version:
    • In the right-hand pane, find and double-click on the policy named "Select the target Feature Update version".
    • In the window that appears, click on the "Enabled" radio button.
    • Under "Select the target Feature Update version," enter the version number of the Windows 11 build you want to stay on. For example, if you want to stay on the current stable release and avoid 24H2 for now, you would enter the version number of that release. You can find your current Windows version by typing "winver" in the Run dialog (Windows key + R).
    • Below that, you can also specify a "Target release date". Setting a date here tells Windows to not offer feature updates beyond this date.
    • Click "Apply" and then "OK".
  4. Configure Target Quality Update Version (Optional): You can also manage quality updates (security fixes and minor improvements) similarly. Look for the "Select the target Quality Update version" policy in the same location.

Step 4: Utilizing the Registry Editor (Use with Caution!) - For Advanced Users

The Registry Editor allows for direct modification of system settings. Incorrect modifications can lead to system instability, so proceed with extreme caution and only if you are comfortable with this tool.

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key + R, type "regedit", and press Enter. Click "Yes" if prompted by User Account Control.
  2. Navigate to the Windows Update Key: In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following key:
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
  3. Create or Modify TargetReleaseVersion and TargetReleaseVersionInfo:
    • If the keys "TargetReleaseVersion" and "TargetReleaseVersionInfo" do not exist, you'll need to create them.
      • Right-click in the right-hand pane, select "New" > "String Value". Name it "TargetReleaseVersion".
      • Double-click on "TargetReleaseVersion" and enter the version number of the Windows 11 build you want to stay on (e.g., "23H2"). Click "OK".
      • Right-click again, select "New" > "String Value". Name it "TargetReleaseVersionInfo".
      • Double-click on "TargetReleaseVersionInfo" and enter the version number again (e.g., "23H2"). Click "OK".
  4. Close Registry Editor: Once you've made the changes, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Important Considerations

  • These methods primarily delay feature updates like 24H2. Security updates will generally continue to be installed to protect your system.
  • Microsoft may eventually force a feature update if your current version is nearing its end of service life.
  • It's always a good idea to back up your important data before making significant system changes.

How to... Frequently Asked Questions

How to check my current Windows 11 version?

Quick Answer: Press Windows key + R, type "winver", and press Enter. The "About Windows" dialog will show your version.

How to undo a pause on Windows updates?

Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Windows Update, and click the "Resume updates" button.

How to see when my paused updates will resume?

Quick Answer: In Settings > Windows Update, the date when updates will automatically resume is usually displayed.

How to extend the pause period for updates?

Quick Answer: You can pause updates again after the current pause period expires, but there's a limit to the consecutive pauses.

How to revert to a previous Windows 11 build after an update?

Quick Answer: Go to Settings > System > Recovery. If it's within the grace period (usually 10 days), you'll see a "Go back" option.

How to know when the Windows 11 24H2 update is released?

Quick Answer: Microsoft typically announces major Windows updates through their official Windows blogs and news outlets. Keep an eye on those.

How to prevent specific driver updates in Windows 11?

Quick Answer: You can use the Group Policy Editor (for Pro editions) or a Microsoft utility called "Show or hide updates" to prevent specific driver updates.

How to manage update notifications in Windows 11?

Quick Answer: Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions. You can customize notification settings for Windows Update.

How to ensure I receive important security updates even if I delay feature updates?

Quick Answer: While delaying feature updates, Windows will generally continue to install quality updates, which include security patches.

How to permanently stop all Windows 11 updates (not recommended)?

Quick Answer: While not recommended due to security risks, it involves disabling the Windows Update service through the Services app (services.msc) or making specific registry changes. This is strongly discouraged for regular users.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helps you take better control of the Windows 11 24H2 update timeline! Remember to weigh the benefits of delaying against the importance of keeping your system secure and up-to-date in the long run.

Article How To Stop Windows 11 24h2 Update

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