how do i stop downloading and installing windows 11

I feel your angst. You've even gone further than I would have. It does appear Windows 11 is going to try to install again and you'll be faced with either installing it or back to the hell of pausing all the time.

There is a phone number for Microsoft support?

I've not let the installation happen yet, but I will let you know. I have read that other people experienced what you are experiencing where they went back to Windows 10, but here comes Windows 11 again. I think we are screwed.

HI PortlandMT, I'm 74 and find all this really annoying too. This is a long story, you may have a different experience.

Before trying to download Windows 10 as directed I removed the 'pause on update notifications' I'd put on in settings.

I was surprised to get someone on Microsoft Support Chat within about 2 minutes. I told him the issue and he said just use that link to download Windows 10 and it would be fine.

I did that, there were some glitches along the way, I needed to make more room on c: and and have extra temp. file with 11GB on an external USB drive. Then Windows 10 downloaded for an hour or so.

I restarted and immediately it started again with "working on updates" but stayed at 0%. I left it for 3 hours then had to actually power off because CTRL/ALT/Delete didn't do anything.

I waited a minute or two and turned on power,. Message was "insert external storage device" so I removed and replaced the USB. Then it said "to skip disk check hit any key within 10 seconds".

I had no idea what that meant so I hit a key and then saw "undoing changes on your computer" which took no time at all.

Restart and I was briefly back in Windows 10 with Windows 11 busting to install!!!

So back where I was before.

I considered for a while then decided to allow Windows 11 to install and start the process all over again using the Windows 10 download link.

This time it was smooth and when it got to that message about skip disk check I didn't and let it run.

Another restart and I seem to have Window 10 without any Windows 11.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

On Settings page- Windows Updates

"Error occurred"

"There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0xc1900130)"

And in update history it says "Upgrade to Windows 11 failed to install 23-12-2021".

So it looks like I may get further attempts.

I hope I can fend them off.

Let me know how you do if you try this and don't hesitate to try the Microsoft Support Chat, it was really fast today.

Susan

Now I understand! Thank you for clarifying that specifically.

No - I meant it didn't support the refresh rate in the link I posted. (A possible reason for blurry text) 60 HZ is the highest for my screen

Please do. I really appreciate this.