Recent reports have surfaced regarding the automatic upgrading of Windows PCs, raising concerns among users who prefer to remain on Windows 10 or a specific feature update. The notion that Windows might upgrade without user intervention can be unsettling, prompting many to seek ways to maintain control over their operating systems.
Is Microsoft Really Upgrading Windows PC Without User Consent?
Despite the fears surrounding unsolicited upgrades, there is no concrete evidence from Microsoft or credible sources indicating that PCs are being upgraded without user consent. The reality is more nuanced; many users may inadvertently accept upgrade prompts or encounter bugs that trigger these updates.
Microsoft’s approach to upgrades can indeed feel aggressive. Users often find themselves clicking “Accept” on unexpected prompts, especially when feature updates are bundled with regular Windows updates. Moreover, if the option to Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available is enabled, feature updates may be installed automatically. This is particularly true when a current version reaches its end of service, such as Windows 11 23H2, which is set to expire in November 2025.
Regardless of the underlying cause, it is evident that many users experience unexpected upgrades. For those wishing to avoid this scenario, several proactive measures can be taken.
Stop Windows From Upgrading Using the Group Policy Editor
For users operating on Windows Pro or Enterprise editions, the Group Policy Editor offers a way to lock in a specific feature update or OS edition. To begin, ascertain your current feature update version by pressing Win + R and entering winver to access the About Windows section, where the version will be displayed, such as 24H2 or 25H2.
Next, search for “gpe” in Windows Search and open Edit group policy. Navigate through the following path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage updates offered from Windows Update. Here, locate and open the Select the target Feature Update version policy.
Set the policy to Enabled and specify your desired OS edition and feature update version in the respective fields. For instance, to prevent an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, enter Windows 10 in the first field and 22H2 in the second. After applying these changes, your system will remain on the specified version.
Stop Windows From Upgrading Using the Windows Registry
If you are using Windows Home edition, which lacks the Group Policy Editor, the same restrictions can be implemented via the Windows Registry. However, caution is advised: always back up the Registry before making any modifications, as incorrect changes can lead to system instability.
To proceed, open the Windows Registry and navigate to:
HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdateIn the right panel, right-click and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value, naming it TargetReleaseVersion. Double-click it and set the value to 1.
Next, create a String Value called ProductVersion and enter the OS edition you wish to remain on, such as Windows 11 to block feature version upgrades or Windows 10 for OS upgrades. Additionally, create another String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo and input your desired feature update version, like 22H2 for Windows 10.
It’s important to note that if a target feature update version is set in Windows 11, the Registry edit will not be honored after the end of service time for that version. Windows 11 will initiate a forced upgrade within 60 days of expiry.
Use the InControl App to Freeze Your PC to the Current Windows Version
For those seeking a more user-friendly solution, the free InControl application provides an effective means to freeze your current OS edition and feature update version. This app employs six different registry keys to enforce the freeze, ensuring that version upgrades are prevented even after the end of service time.
Using InControl is straightforward; simply click the Take Control button, and the app will immediately halt any upgrades while still permitting monthly Windows updates. Notably, the app does not need to be running for these changes to remain in effect, although it must be used to reverse the freeze.
With these adjustments in place, users can enjoy the reassurance that their PC configurations will remain intact, free from unexpected upgrades. However, should the need for an upgrade arise in the future, users will need to revert the changes made through these methods.
