How to Cancel Windows 11 update?

I have read each of PortlandMT's posts and the moderator's responses and literally have the exact same issue. I downloaded Windows 11 because it was basically forced on me. Now I want it off my computer completely until I am ready to install a new OS.

I rely on my laptop for too many things (work and school) to have to deal with learning a whole new OS right now and deal with potential Windows 11 bugs - the types of bugs that come with every new Windows update. I wanted to wait at least a year before updating to Windows 11.

Now, I am in a position where I have to deal with the anxiety of making sure the installation is postponed, This is ridiculous. And getting a Microsoft employee on the phone is a whole other risk in itself with all the scams out there. I am furious about this.

I also have the same version - Windows 10 20H2.

So what do I do? How do I delete Windows 11 (SAFELY!) and not have it be downloaded automatically the next time I restart my computer?

Get your stuff together, Microsoft. This is not an issue that should exist at all. Period. These are the types of infuriating, nonsensical issues that cause companies to lose customers. And I am as loyal a PC user as they come; however, even I have my breaking point. I am a man of principle and I will take this laptop out to a grass field and destroy it with dropkicks and a baseball bat (Office Space style) if my frustration does not dissipate because this issue doesn't go away. I will then go to Apple and buy a Mac and learn how to use their OS simply out of spite. That's the honest truth and since losing me as a customer won't affect your bottom line, and you won't care at the end of the day, I could only hope and pray the rest of the people dealing with this egregious, asinine, unnecessary nonsense would be spiteful enough as I would be if we do not get what we are asking for - a simple solution to a problem thrust upon us unfairly.

Please do the right thing and fix this for us.

-Matt

If there was a class action against microshift I would immediately join it. I'm fed-up of their arrogance

First of all, you are not alone with this issue. This is a very long thread to read with multiple suggestions. I have found none of them that work. Once Windows 11 has downloaded on your computer, the only way to stop the pending installation is to keep pausing it. You can pause it up to 35 days. Right before that, you have do go ahead and click on 'check for updates'. Then what happens it is tells you to pick a time for the installation. You can then pause it again for another 35 days.

I have Windows 10 home version so I don't have that group policy setting like the Pro version does. There is one setting to double check though. In settings, make sure you click the box that says that you have to be notified before installing an update. That way, Windows 11 won't install unless you let it.

No easy answers then you must either let Windows 11 install and hope for the best or keep pausing the rest of your life. Mine is now paused until Feb. 2nd. I'll pause it one more time after that and then I'm going to just let it install.

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I could not find any wuauserv process.

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Any ideas what is triggering the Download and the Upgrade prompt?

Thanks.

(I finally found the 'insert picture' controls, so I can show - should make it a bit easier)

In Task Manager it's on the 'Services' tab, not the 'Processes' tab, so not easy to find.

In the Control Panel, it's under Administrative Tools - Services, and it's sorted by full name there, so 'Windows Update Service'. Again, not easy to find if you're looking for wuauserv.

Since wuauserv wasn't stopped, I think it resumed downloading as soon as it noticed that there were files, yes even a whole directory, missing.

If you've updated to 21H2, check if the registry keys are still in place, and make sure they target 21H2, and not an earlier version.

Now that you have clarified, that might work. You are talking about a system restore in a way right? Going all the way back?

I'm hoping that works for you.

I read about trying to do a system restore to get rid of Windows 11 installing. People did it. Windows 11 popped up again.