How to Cancel Windows 11 update?

Anonymous
2021-12-16T19:58:35+00:00

I'm one of the people who had Windows 11 download itself without me telling it to do so. Now, it is ready for install. I do not want to install Windows 11 at this point. I want to keep my Windows 10.

I've paused it for 7 days, but this is a temporary solution. Can I delete the Windows 11 download somehow? I'm running Windows 10 on a brand new Dell computer.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-01-31T12:08:58+00:00

    My Update:

    I think I may have been "too late" (as JoJun stated). I followed the instructions at the beginning of this thread (but used 20H2 instead of 21H2 - that's what my PC is running). I also had to update some Dell system files, after which, the PC rebooted. Fingers AND toes were crossed, and all was well.

    One ot two days later (when returning to my PC), I see the Upgrade to Windows 11 notice in the bottom right-hand corner of the window. Sure enough, the files had been downloaded to the SoftwareDistribution/Download directory! Argh! I could not find any wuauserv process.

    I have since deleted the downloaded files AND emptied the Wastebasket (Recycle Bin).

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

    Thanks.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-01-31T20:32:02+00:00

    Second Update:

    Despite what I've done (probably not correctly!) Windoze 11 still tried installing itself.

    I therefore updated to 21H2, using "MediaCreationTool21H2.exe". All is quiet - at the moment!

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-01-31T22:38:47+00:00

    <snip>

    I could not find any wuauserv process.

    <snip>

    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.

    Image

    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.

    Image

    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.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-01-31T22:46:27+00:00

    Did you try disabling TPM 2.0 in BIOS?

    Disable TPM 2.0 -> Windows 11 doesn't meet minimal requirements -> Windows 11 can't be installed.

    As for me, I did not enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS at all. This is why (I guess) I never got Windows 11 downloaded automatically. Also I've disabled the whole Updates Centre via gpedit.msc later, but that seems to be more than enough for what you're trying to do.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-01-31T23:45:16+00:00

    I'm curious as to the negative consequences of disabling the TPM 2.0 in BIOS. I don't want to do anything to mess up my new laptop right now which is running windows 10, but I have Windows 11 waiting for install which I keep pausing.

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