Overview
Feature updates are the large annual upgrades that move Windows to a new version. You may want to delay one for stability or compatibility. This guide covers safe ways to block a feature update while still receiving security patches.
Key Takeaways
- Feature updates are major version upgrades, separate from monthly patches.
- You can pause or defer them without blocking security updates.
- Target Release Version pins your current version via policy or registry.
- Blocking is best treated as a temporary delay, not permanent.
Pause and Set a Target Version
1. Open Settings > Windows Update and use Pause updates for a short-term delay.
2. For a firmer hold, open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered.
4. Enable Select the target Feature Update version and enter your current version.
Registry Method (Home)
1. On Windows Home, open the registry editor.
2. Under the WindowsUpdate policies key, add TargetReleaseVersion set to 1.
3. Add TargetReleaseVersionInfo with your current version string.
4. Restart and confirm Windows Update no longer offers the new version.
Warning: Do not block updates indefinitely. Each Windows version has an end-of-support date, after which it stops receiving security patches. Plan to upgrade before then.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The feature update installs anyway.
Solution: Confirm the target version string is correct and matches an available release, and run gpupdate /force.
Problem: gpedit.msc is unavailable.
Solution: On Home editions use the TargetReleaseVersion registry values instead.
Problem: Security updates also stopped.
Solution: You may have paused all updates; resume them so monthly security patches still arrive.
Problem: Your version is nearing end of support.
Solution: Remove the block and upgrade, as an unsupported version no longer receives security fixes.
Conclusion
Pinning the target version lets you postpone a feature update while keeping security patches flowing. Use it to delay on your terms — but upgrade before your version loses support.
About TechHub
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