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Keep Windows 11 on a Specific Feature Update Version

You can keep Windows 11 on its current version while you check whether your apps or equipment work with a newer release. Set the current feature update version in Select the target Feature Update version and Windows Update targets that version. You can also use it to test several PCs on the same version or move to a specified release.

This policy selects a target for feature updates; it does not turn off all updates. An out-of-service version no longer receives security updates, so check the support end date for your edition and select a supported target before then. If the policy is not updated, the device is automatically updated 60 days after the edition reaches end of service. Feature update deferrals do not apply when a target version is set.

First, press Win + R and run winver to check your current version. Enter Windows 11 for the product and the version you want to keep, such as 25H2, for the target. A version older than the installed version or an invalid value prevents feature updates until the policy is corrected. On a work-managed PC, ask your administrator before changing it.

Steps

  1. Press Win + R and run gpedit.msc.
  2. Under Computer Configuration › Administrative Templates › Windows Components › Windows Update › Manage updates offered from Windows Update, open Select the target Feature Update version.
  3. Select Enabled.
  4. Enter Windows 11 as the product version and the version you checked as the target feature update version, then select OK.
  5. Reopen the policy and check that the product and version were saved.

To remove the pin, open the same policy and save it as Not Configured. To move to another version, leave the policy enabled and change the target. Compatibility and other management settings can also affect whether an update is offered.

Set it in the registry

The same policy can be set in the registry. Before changing it, press Win + R and run regedit. If the key below exists, select it and export it from the File menu. Record whether the key and each of the three values exist, and note any original data. If the key is absent, create it at that path.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
TargetReleaseVersion     REG_DWORD  1
ProductVersion           REG_SZ     Windows 11
TargetReleaseVersionInfo REG_SZ     25H2

Replace the example 25H2 with your chosen target. Create any missing values with the specified types, or change their data if they already exist; reopen them to check. To undo the change, restore the original data and delete only values that were originally absent. Deleting the entire key can affect other Windows Update policies. See the registry value page for details.

This guide is based on the Windows 11 version 26H2 policy templates.

Original references