I don't want Windows 11. Can I prevent it?

[POPSBARRY]

Hello. My laptop is capable of upgrading to Windows 11, but I prefer to stick with Windows 10. I previously had Windows 11 installed by a Windows specialist who was trying to fix my Windows Security. As a result, I had to purchase a USB flash drive with Windows 10 online after two remote sessions with "Windows Specialists" from Microsoft. Unfortunately, they ended up ruining my computer, locking me out, and losing nine years' worth of non-backed-up files, for which I take responsibility.

Despite this, every time I go to "Updates and Security" in Settings, there's almost always a message prompting me to upgrade to Windows 11. If I accidentally click the wrong option, it could cause problems. Additionally, every time I visit any HP.com site, there's a persistent popup in the upper right corner urging me to upgrade to Windows 11, which never disappears. Is there a way to block any accidental upgrades to Windows 11 on my system, or to prevent this from happening again?

[Dragora]

Hi POPSBARRY

Use Microsoft’s Update Hiding Tool

Microsoft provides a tool called Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter to block specific updates.

Steps:

1. Download the tool here:
   Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Tool

2. Run the file wushowhide.diagcab.

3. Select “Hide updates”.

4. Choose the Windows 11 update and block it.

❗ This only works if the update has already been downloaded or is being offered.

I hope the above is helpful

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@POPSBARRY,

Thank you for sharing your experience -I'm truly sorry to hear about the troubles you’ve had. Losing nine (9!) years of files and being locked out of your own computer is incredibly frustrating, and it's perfectly understandable why you would feel cautious about upgrading again.

To directly answer your concern:

Yes, there is a way to block Windows 11 upgrade prompts and prevent accidental upgrades as @Dragora touched upon, while you continue using Windows 10 until its support ends (October 14, 2025). Please allow me to share what path I would take:

Blocking Windows 11 Upgrade Notifications:

Option 1: Use the Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro or higher):

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

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

3. Double-click “Select the target Feature Update version”

4. Enable it and set the version to 21H2, 22H2, or your current version of Windows 10.

5. Click OK.

This will prevent Windows Update from offering Windows 11.

Option 2: Use Registry Editor (Windows 10 Home or Pro):

Be careful editing the registry. Back it up first!

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.

2. Go to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

3. Right-click on the right pane → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

4. Name it: TargetReleaseVersion and set the value to 1.

5. Create another string value: TargetReleaseVersionInfo and set it to 22H2 (or your current version).

6. Restart your system.

This effectively locks your PC to Windows 10 and blocks Windows 11 offers.

---

Now, Why Consider Upgrading to Windows 11?

Although your reasons for holding off are valid, it may help to know that:

• Windows 11 is now more mature: Since your last experience, Windows 11 has received many updates improving performance, compatibility, and stability.

• Windows 10 support ends in October 2025: After that, no more security updates unless you pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs).

• Modern interface + better memory and window management: Especially noticeable on newer hardware like your HP ENVY 17t-cg000.

• DirectStorage & improved GPU scheduling: These benefit gaming and high-performance apps.

That said, the choice is ultimately yours. It’s wise to stay where you feel most comfortable -especially if you’ve tailored your workflow around Windows 10!

If and when you're ready to revisit Windows 11, consider making a full backup image first using a tool such as Macrium Reflect Free to protect your data and system state.

---

Feel free to follow up if you need help implementing any of the settings above or creating a safe upgrade path in the future.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[POPSBARRY]

Hello,

Thanks that link brought me to a page no longer here. I searched for wushowhide.diagcab and everything on Microsoft explains the troubleshooter to run, correct problems if necessary, and then for the user to continue to Check for Updates and the update problem should be fixed allowing you to receive updates.

[POPSBARRY]

I'm so used to Windows 10 just the fact that in 11 the Settings looks all wrong. I'm going to pay the extra amount for at least the first year to get support with Windows 10.

[NonSequitur777]

@POPSBARRY,

I completely understand: to be honest, I think you should be able to stay with Windows 10 indefinitely, but I would strongly recommend having a paid anti-virus/malware detection program running in the background in order to protect your data, such as the low impact Webroot or Bitdefender options.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[POPSBARRY]

Greetings,

By the way, I think I replied to the wrong community member earlier I have Windows  10 Home so option 2 would be for me. Although I've learned more than I thought I ever would with the help of Copilot mostly abound CMD Admin, PowerShell Admin, and Registry Editor, Event Viewer being my least favorite I don't like to screw with things in Registry Editor. I can, actually I've become pretty good at it I'd rather leave it alone. Thanks a bunch!

Barry

[POPSBARRY]

Thanks that's quite nice of you looking out for a community member that way. Are you mentioning Antivirus because of the mass upgrade to Windows 11 that may make Windows 10 more vulnerable? I was always told by some family members in the past when I purchased Antivirus software e.g. Norton 360 Deluxe that (at the time) Windows Defender was more than enough to protect my system. I was then once told by a Microsoft technician the same That Windows Defender now Microsoft Defender was more than enough to protect your system so I never renewed my third-party Antivirus software.

Thanks again,

Barry

[NonSequitur777]

@POPSBARRY,

You're absolutely right to rely on Microsoft Defender for basic protection, especially since it's much better than it used to be.

But I personally like having a lightweight third-party solution such as Webroot for that extra layer of defense -especially since it doesn’t slow down the system and catches some of the more evasive (daily!) threats that Defender has been known to miss.

Here Is A Detailed Take:

Why Microsoft Defender may be "Good Enough" for Most:

• Built-in, free, and updated regularly with Windows

• Integrates tightly with Windows Security Center

• Has improved significantly in independent testing (e.g., AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives)

• Offers decent protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware

• Comes with controlled folder access and basic exploit protection

 

But It Has Vulnerability Gaps:

• Mediocre at zero-day and advanced persistent threats (APT)

• Weak phishing protection, especially outside Microsoft Edge

• No sandbox, VPN, or identity theft monitoring (which some third-party suites offer)

• Can be (too) slow to react to novel malware variants

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[POPSBARRY]

Hello,

Thanks, that link brought me to a page that is no longer here. I searched for wushowhide. Diagcab and everything on Microsoft explain how to run the troubleshooter, correct problems if necessary, and then for the user to continue checking for updates. The update problem should be fixed, allowing you to receive updates.

dadybear1234