How to Enable or Disable Safeguard Holds in Windows 11
Safeguard holds in Windows 11 stop automatic feature updates. This guide shows how to turn safeguard holds on or off for Windows 11 feature updates, preventing unwanted changes.
To disable safeguard holds, open the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows, and enable the “Disable safeguards for Feature Updates” policy. To re-enable them, set this policy to “Not Configured.
Feature updates are essentially new versions of Windows, released through Windows Update about twice a year. Usually they come out around spring and fall.
Safeguard holds are a safety feature that prevents a device with a known problem from receiving a new operating system version. Microsoft removes the hold once a fix is found and tested. These holds help ensure customers have a good experience when moving to a new version of Windows.
Safeguard Holds in Windows Update prevent devices from receiving feature updates that are not yet ready. When Windows Update detects a Safeguard Hold on a device, the Windows Update page shows a message stating a feature update is coming soon but requires more time. Instead of a download button, a 'Learn more' option appears. These holds ensure stability by pausing updates until issues are resolved for a specific device.
Safeguard hold durations depend on how long Microsoft needs to investigate and fix an issue. Microsoft rigorously tests fixes before releasing them to devices. Microsoft monitors quality and compatibility data to confirm a fix is ready before removing the hold. After Microsoft removes the hold, Windows Update will offer new operating system versions to devices again.
Safeguard holds block Windows feature updates from installing. To allow these updates to install despite the blocks, users can turn on the 'Disable safeguards for Feature Updates' Group Policy. This policy removes safeguard hold restrictions, allowing feature updates to proceed and ensuring Windows updates install as intended.
Disabling safeguard holds risks device performance issues. Microsoft recommends disabling safeguard holds only within an IT testing environment. The Windows Insider Program for Business offers the Release Preview channel to test upcoming Windows feature updates without safeguards. Bypassing these protections against known problems does not guarantee successful updates, which may still fail and cause a poor user experience.
Administrators can enable or disable safeguards for feature updates. After a device installs a new Windows version, the "Disable safeguards for Feature Updates" Group Policy automatically resets to "not configured," meaning safeguards are enabled. Microsoft implements this reset to ensure users intentionally choose to disable protection from known issues for each new feature update.
References:
KB5006965: How to check information about safeguard holds affecting your device – Microsoft Support
Windows Update for Business reports overview – Windows Update for Business reports
Option One
Enable or Disable Safeguards for Feature Updates in Local Group Policy Editor
You can turn safeguard holds on or off in Windows 11 using the Local Group Policy Editor, a tool that lets you change settings for Windows updates.
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
- Navigate to the policy location below in the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor.📝Good to KnowComputer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components> Windows Update>Manage updates offered from Windows Updates
- In the right pane of “Manage updates offered from Windows Updates” in the Local Group Policy Editor, double click on the “Disable safeguards for Feature Updates” policy to edit it.
To Enable Safeguards for Feature Updates
This is the default setting.
- Select (dot) “Not Configured”, click on “OK”.
To Disable Safeguards for Feature Updates
- Select (dot) “Enabled”, click on “OK”
- You can now close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.
Option Two
Enable or Disable Safeguards for Feature Updates using Registry
To Enable Safeguards for Feature Updates
This is the default setting.
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v DisableWUfBSafeguards /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
To Disable Safeguards for Feature Updates
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v DisableWUfBSafeguards /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Summary
Safeguard holds are a safety feature Microsoft uses to stop your computer from getting Windows updates that might cause problems.
You can disable safeguard holds using either the Local Group Policy Editor (in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education) or the Windows Terminal with registry commands. However, Microsoft warns that disabling holds is risky and can cause update failures and performance problems. Only do this if you are testing in an IT environment. After each new Windows version installs, safeguards automatically turn back on to keep your device protected.
Why are people leaving 🪟 Windows 11?
Users may leave Windows 11 due to strict hardware requirements, such as the need for TPM 2.0, or dissatisfaction with the redesigned interface and taskbar limitations. Others cite concerns over increased telemetry, mandatory Microsoft account integration, or performance issues on older hardware that previously ran Windows 10 without any significant problems.
How do I disable Safeguard?
You can turn off safeguard holds for Windows 11 feature updates by using the Group Policy Editor.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!