how do i stop downloading and installing windows 11

Are you saying you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and then decided to go back to Windows 10? If so, I've heard nightmares from people who did that. I wish I could help you with it.

Ever since I think XP, I have been part of the Windows Insider program (I think it changed names but don't remember), basically that is a large group of people that get to beta test the new software, and OS's coming out. I told them Vista was going to be horrible, and I told them that that 8 would be horrible, and you see how they went. When you do a 3 to 6 month test of an operating system, and it stays broke down, because of the new features that were added, but not needed, and according to all the comments after it's installed, nobody wanted to start with, funny thing is M$ got close to 10,000 comments before 8 came out saying we don't want the new design, that was about I don't remember but close to 95% of the comments pre-release. I may be off on those numbers, that was a long time ago. Now I started testing 11, doing a dual-boot, I learned early never jeopardize your Main OS, and I kept seeing a lot of people like me desperate for help because the new taskbar quit working, there was no reason to change it, it worked fine, and people were comfortable with it.

Now there were some new features, that were a positive change. Some of the new security features are good. But in my opinion, the "S" version should cease to exist. It's my pc, I will do what I want with it. When I pay for the OS, it is now mine, I will do what I want with it. I understand the reason for the new design of the Control Panel/Settings folders, sometimes change is good, but change for the sake of change is always bad. IF it ain't broke don't fix it. But on 11 M$ tried to change too much at one time just for the sake of change. I don't care what Apple's taskbar looks like, I don't use Apple for a reason,, other than it cost three times what it should. Windows is over priced, but Apple is stupid over priced. But the reason I don't use Apple, is I don't like their user interface, their folder structure, how things operate. Suddenly M$ wants to be an Apple clone. I don't think I'll use it, especially since it only has about a 40% uptime, it's going to be like 8/8.1, they will never get it fixed, they'll have to introduce 13, in order to get things back where they should be, and that will be returning to the 10 format.

Now most Linux has changed a lot in the last 5 to 10 years. There are a lot of "distro" or distribution that are made especially for people coming from Windows and know nothing about Linux, Most of those you never have to touch the command line, unless you just want to. The reason there are close to 1000 distro's, is so that the user can find exactly what they want, you don't like the folder structure of this distro, try that distro, it's a different folder structure. This one is geared toward photo's, the next one geared toward office programs, the next toward people that use a lot of math formulas. Maybe you like the colors of this one better. Find what you want. Want to try some different disto's (this may get removed) "distrotest dot net" find one you might like, download it, put it on a usb drive, then try it without installing, if you decide you don't like it, no harm done, you have changed nothing on your pc, go back and find another one, or install from that same usb. Only thing is on this test you can not save anything. Unless you customize the live OS, then install while in the live install, it will remember your changes, when it installs. It's a no lose situation, unless you really want it, there are no changes to your computer. There are still a few problems with compatible drivers, but those are reduced every day, a lot of time you can go to the device manufacturer, and download a proprietary driver. That the Linux developer legally can't use to redistribute. Maybe start your search with a Google (or Duck Duck GO), for "LInux for people coming from Windows". Then go from there. As I said most are "Windows" based now, not M$ Windows, but like the windows in your house, the window that let's you see what your working on.

no i didn't upgrade the idiots at microsoft did, they seem to be going backwards not forward

Are you saying you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and then decided to go back to Windows 10? If so, I've heard nightmares from people who did that. I wish I could help you with it.

Your response was inspiring and honest. Absolute truth!!!!