How to block Windows 11 24H2 automatic update on version 23H2

On Windows 11, you can maintain your current version 23H2 (or 22H2) setup and prevent the automatic installation of version 24H2. You can do this by adjusting the “Windows Update” policy using the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, depending on the edition of your system.

If your system has already updated to version 24H2, you can revert to a previous version through the recovery settings or by reinstalling the operating system.

Although Microsoft has made available Windows 11 24H2 with the promise of improvements across the different areas of the operating system, new features, and new advances in AI (such as Recall, Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Auto Super Resolution), the feature update has also been associated with various issues.

Now, in January 2025, Microsoft started the automatic upgrades to version 24H2 for devices running 23H2 and 22H2. To prevent this, you can modify the Windows Update policy settings using the Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Pro or the Registry Editor on Windows 11 Home.

In this guide, I will explain the steps to block the automatic upgrade to Windows 11 24H2.

Block Windows 11 24H2 installation using Group Policy

To block the Windows 11 24H2 automatic upgrade with Group Policy, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 11.

2. Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor.

3. Browse the following path:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update
   

4. Right-click the “Select the target Feature Update version” policy and choose the Edit option.

5. Check the Enabled option.

6. Confirm the “Windows 11” operating system name for the product version to receive.

7. (Option 1) Confirm the “23H2” version under the “Options” section for the “Target Version for Feature Update” setting if your current setup is Windows 11 23H2.

   

8. (Option 2) Confirm the “22H2” version under the “Options” section for the “Target Version for Feature Update” setting if your current setup is Windows 11 22H2.

9. Click the Apply button.

10. Click the OK button.

11. Restart the computer.

Once you complete the steps, the feature update won’t download automatically and install on your computer.

When you’re ready for the upgrade, you can remove the configuration on Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update by choosing the “Not configured” option for the “Select target Feature Update version” policy. After undoing this configuration, you can force the upgrade from the “Windows Update” settings by clicking the “Check for updates” button.

Block Windows 11 24H2 installation using Registry

To prevent Windows 11 24H2 from installing automatically with the Registry, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.

3. Browse the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

4. Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

5. Name the WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

6. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the String Value option.

   

7. Name the new key ProductVersion and press Enter.

8. Right-click the newly created key and choose the Modify option.

   

9. Change the value to Windows 11.

   

10. Click the OK button.

11. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.

12. Name the key TargetReleaseVersion and press Enter.

13. Right-click the newly created key and choose the Modify option.

14. Change the value to 1.

    

15. Click the OK button.

16. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the String Value option.

17. Name the key TargetReleaseVersionInfo and press Enter.

18. Right-click the newly created key and choose the Modify option.

19. (Option 1) Change the value to 23H2 if your computer is on Windows 11 23H2.

    

20. (Option 2) Change the value to 22H2 if your computer is on Windows 11 22H2.

21. Click the OK button.

22. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, the policy will prevent Windows 11 24H2 from being applied to your computer.

When you’re ready for the upgrade, you can remove the configuration on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate by carefully deleting the “ProductVersion,” “TargetReleaseVersionInfo,” and “TargetReleaseVersion” keys or changing their values to their defaults.

Considerations before blocking a feature update

While this guide explains how to block a specific Windows 11 feature update, it’s important to understand why staying up to date is crucial.

Feature updates often include critical security patches that protect your system from emerging threats. If you skip these updates, it can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks.

Additionally, Microsoft only provides support and updates for actively maintained versions of Windows 11. Running an unsupported version means missing essential patches, which can expose your system to security risks and potential software incompatibilities.

Beyond security, feature and quality updates bring performance improvements and bug fixes that keep your system running efficiently. If you don’t keep up with updates, it may result in stability problems, slower performance, and unresolved issues.

Windows 11 updates also introduce new tools and AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and the overall user experience. Staying updated ensures you benefit from the latest innovations and improvements.