Microsoft calls Windows a service, or at least that's what it repeats. With such a change came stricter control over updates. The problem is that the quality from Redmond is leaving much to be desired, and errors caused by hotfixes are increasingly frequent. Windows 11 is no exception, and if you're wondering about the most effective strategy to block updates, you might want to review our list of options.

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
Windows 11 updates

A Pause for Peace

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
I'd love to see 180 days here, but I'll take what I can

The quickest, simplest, and most official way to set a limit to Windows 11 updates is to pause them. The Windows Update interface doesn't allow us to disable them completely, but the maximum is five weeks, a reasonable time for Redmond to double-check everything and make sure there are no errors.

The Service Cut Doesn't Work

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
Unfortunately, this no longer has the impact it used to

One of the oldest tricks to block Windows updates was to stop the Windows Update service in services.msc. This process no longer works: at the slightest change, Windows changes the service state back to Manual and runs it whenever needed.

Registry Tweaks

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
When in doubt, the final result of your edit has to look like this
  • Open the Registry Editor
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  • Create a new key called WindowsUpdate
  • Inside WindowsUpdate, create another key called AU
  • Inside AU, create a DWORD value named NoAutoUpdate
  • Change NoAutoUpdate value to 1
  • Restart your computer

Group Policies

Yes, the classic gpedit.msc has multiple references to Windows Update, and several of them can help limit updates in Windows 11. Today we'll mention two:

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
One goes disabled...
  • Open gpedit.msc
  • Go to Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Windows Update
  • First enter Manage the end-user experience, double-click Configure Automatic Updates, choose Disabled, then Apply
  • Then visit Manage updates offered from Windows Update, enter Select the target feature update version, choose Enabled, in the first field type Windows 11, and in the second 21H1. Finish with Apply.
  • Restart your computer
Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
... and the other carries specific parameters. Why 21H1? Simple: That version doesn't exist in Windows 11; the first build is Sun Valley 21H2.

External Software: InControl

Different Methods to Block Updates in Windows 11
You can also use InControl and solve it with one click

If none of these processes convinces you, our last suggestion is to go to the Gibson Research Corp portal and download a copy of InControl. In essence, this app automates a good part of what we've mentioned here, and it also adds other registry keys to reinforce the update blocking. Run InControl with administrator privileges, and click Take Control. The Windows build will stay exactly where it is, limiting the reception of patches to security hotfixes.

We hope this content helps you. As always, remember that Microsoft is a moving target, and what works today may disappear tomorrow. Good luck!