The Windows 11 ‘push,’ revisited
Some customers nonetheless complain that their PCs are being unexpectedly upgraded to Windows 11 with out their consent. It’s onerous to know precisely what’s occurring, however there are methods to keep away from the transfer.
Microsoft
In November, I wrote about a number of individuals who reported they’d been pushed Windows 11. (At the time, I wasn’t certain why they discovered themselves with Windows 11 put in — and so they weren’t certain why both. )
Since then, I’ve had different folks attain out and credibly relate how they got here again to search out their laptop both wanting a reboot or already operating Windows 11. They mentioned that they had not accepted or requested the improve. At the identical time, I can’t independently confirm this habits. In my testing, I exploit a Windows 10 machine with the built-in Microsoft Defender. I can’t show that Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 to customers, and I can’t show it’s not. My suspicion now’s that one thing third-party is triggering the set up request. I’ve seen a number of stories in on-line boards, in posts, and on social media, however I’ve but to copy it on a pc beneath my management.
[ Related: How to clean up your Windows 10 act ]
I’m reminded of when most customers had been operating Windows 7 and Office was primarily offered and deployed with particular person patches (moderately than click-to-run background patching). You would attain the top of the Office set up routine and get two questions: Do you need to patch it (swap Windows Update to Microsoft Update within the background — successfully agreeing to put in patches for extra than simply Windows)? And would you like Microsoft to maintain Office updated?
If you mentioned sure, not solely would the pc set up Office updates mechanically, it might set up all updates mechanically. The subsequent Patch Tuesday would arrive — and Windows Updates could be put in (to the dismay of customers who particularly didn’t need that to occur). Users had been satisfied Microsoft had modified their settings with out their consent, though that they had carried out so by saying sure to these two questions.
I’ve additionally seen antivirus distributors ask the query after their software program is put in: “Do you want to keep your operating system up to date?” If you say sure, Windows updates set up mechanically. Because there’s no log file I’m conscious of displaying who or what’s saying, “Yes,” to the Windows 11 approval course of, I can’t undoubtedly say who or what’s approving it. But historical past leads me to imagine one thing is.
For these with Windows 11-eligible gadgets managed by Intune or registered with Windows Software Update Services – any of the methods Microsoft deems are “managed” gadgets – you’ll not be provided the brand new OS. You must take affirmative motion to put in Windows 11. But if you happen to get your updates from Microsoft Update, you’re topic to Windows 11 being provided.
Remember, if you wish to block the set up, you are able to do so with a registry key for Windows 10 Home or with native group coverage for Windows 10 Professional. Even if you happen to defer Windows 11 within the graphical interface, you’ll be provided it once more. The deferral isn’t everlasting except you utilize a bunch coverage or registry key.
Bottom line: My advice is to resolve if you happen to do — or don’t — need Windows 11 in your {hardware}. Microsoft is now in broad launch of the working system, which suggests it ought to be provided as much as any machine that may run it. So, if you happen to don’t need Windows 11, use the registry keys or native group coverage strategies to make sure you keep on Windows 10. Note this can solely block Windows 11; it doesn’t cease Windows 10 from receiving updates or future characteristic releases. Since I can’t assure you received’t get Windows 11 in any other case, it actually is the most secure strategy to keep away from the replace. And it’ll guarantee that you’re in command of the choice.
And lastly, keep in mind, there are methods to roll again from Windows 11 to 10 if you happen to act in a well timed manner.