how do i stop downloading and installing windows 11

Yes you are right it only works with the pro version. But if you just pause it you pause all updates, which often plug security holes briefly

I believe that Group Policy editor is only available on Windows 10 Pro. I do not have the Pro version so I don't have that option.

The other thing you can do is disable the windows update service. If you ever change your mind, just go back and enable the updates.

You have to let it upgrade, and then roll it back, to stop it redownloading follow the instructions here

https://www.howtogeek.com/765377/how-to-block-the-windows-11-update-from-installing-on-windows-10/

The group policy editor worked on mine.

This stop 11 but allows Windows 10 updates. The pausing solution just stop all updates and is not a solution

I answered you above with the only help I can give you.

To be clear: Windows 11 downloaded and is waiting for you to install? That is my situation I have been in. The only way is to go to your windows update area. Click on advanced options and pause it for 35 days. Make a note on your calendar to go do this same routine 2 days before your time is up. You do have to click first on 'check for updates' and then you can pause again.

Make sure you go into your permissions area of updates (I believe it is in the control panel settings for updates) and click the box that states that you much be asked first before INSTALLING the update. That way, when you go back to pause again and 'check for updates', a pop up box should come up asking you what time you want Windows 11 to install. That is the point where you pause for another 35 days.

Other people have stated you can go in and change your registry. It is mentioned several times in this thread, but for me I'm not doing that. I've read horror stories what has happened when you try to do that to stop Windows 11 from actually installing.

For right now, I just keep pausing it. It is so frustrating to have this forced on us. Out of curiosity, did you give the OK to download Windows 11 or did it just download itself?

To be clear: Windows 11 downloaded and is waiting for you to install? That is my situation I have been in. The only way is to go to your windows update area. Click on advanced options and pause it for 35 days. Make a note on your calendar to go do this same routine 2 days before your time is up. You do have to click first on 'check for updates' and then you can pause again.

Make sure you go into your permissions area of updates (I believe it is in the control panel settings for updates) and click the box that states that you much be asked first before INSTALLING the update. That way, when you go back to pause again and 'check for updates', a pop up box should come up asking you what time you want Windows 11 to install. That is the point where you pause for another 35 days.

Other people have stated you can go in and change your registry. It is mentioned several times in this thread, but for me I'm not doing that. I've read horror stories what has happened when you try to do that to stop Windows 11 from actually installing.

For right now, I just keep pausing it. It is so frustrating to have this forced on us. Out of curiosity, did you give the OK to download Windows 11 or did it just download itself?