Here's how to avoid Microsoft forcing the most recent version of Windows 11 on your computer
It's no secret that Microsoft is currently betting big on Windows 11. Especially considering that Windows 10 is very close to its official end of life, which will happen next October.
Hence, Microsoft is focusing heavily on developing and improving the latest version of the operating system. At this moment, the company is urging us to download and update to the latest version that was released just a few weeks ago, and we are referring to 24H2.
You should know that this version has been available to us since October 1, 2024, as an optional update for all users, whether on compatible or non-compatible devices. Now, starting in mid-January 2025, Microsoft has started installing Windows 11 24H2 automatically on fully supported Windows 11 PCs.
The company believes that the latest update has now entered its most critical phase of deployment. Basically, this means that, to the surprise of many users, it is now automatically downloaded and installed when the company deems the computer fully compatible with the operating system.
This forced or automatic rollout is limited to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. However, we must keep in mind that this automatic update process is done in stages. This means that not everyone will be able to see Windows 11 24H2 automatically on their PCs.
Prevent Windows 11 24H2 from automatically accessing your computer
Microsoft will release the new version of the operating system to a certain number of users, which will increase over the days. Fully compatible devices will receive this forced installation over the next few weeks. As expected, the software giant is betting big on this new version and is trying to ensure that it is available on the computers of most people as soon as possible.
Obviously, we can also get it manually by checking for updates directly from the Windows Update window.
But it may also be that we do not want this specific version to reach our computer. Windows 11 itself gives us the possibility to postpone these automatic updates if we want. To achieve this goal, we simply have to access the Settings application, for example, through the Windows + I key combination. From there we go to the section called Windows Update.
So, in the section that says More Options, we can pause the arrival of these updates for a few weeks.