How to Specify Target Feature Update Version in Windows 11
Specifying a target feature update version in Windows 11 lets you lock your PC to a specific release, such as version 22H2, so you can skip unwanted major upgrades. This tool stops Windows from automatically installing newer versions while still letting your machine download normal security patches.
Locking your Windows version keeps your apps working and stops sudden system changes. You can set this limit through the Group Policy Editor or the Registry at 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
Control your Windows 11 version by opening Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigating to Windows Update settings. Double-click “Select the target Feature Update version,” enable it, and enter “Windows 11” and your desired version number.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Group Policy | Single PC | Easy |
| Registry | Advanced Users | Medium |
| Intune/MDM | Businesses | Professional |
How to Specify Target Feature Update Version in Local Group Policy Editor
Locking your computer to a specific Windows 11 update version prevents unwanted operating system upgrades using the Local Group Policy Editor (a built-in tool for managing system settings). Open the tool by pressing Win+R, typing gpedit.msc, and hitting Enter. This method requires administrator rights and lets you type in your preferred release version to stay on it.
1. Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration Administrative Templates Windows Components Windows Update Manage updates offered from Windows Update .
3. Double-click Select the target Feature Update version.
4. Select Enabled. In the options, type Windows 11 for the product and your desired version (e.g., 26H1) in the target box.
5. Click OK.
To undo this, select Not Configured in the same menu.
Specify Target Feature Update Version using Registry
Setting a specific Windows 11 update version through the Registry Editor (the central database for Windows settings) gives you an alternative way to control your system updates if you do not have the Group Policy tool. Open the editor by searching for regedit from the taskbar. Be careful while making these changes, as mistakes in the registry can cause system problems.
1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the search bar.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
3. Create or modify these values:
"ProductVersion"="Windows 11"
"TargetReleaseVersion"=dword:00000001
"TargetReleaseVersionInfo"="26H1"
Verification via PowerShell
Verification of active settings happens by running this command in PowerShell:
Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate"
Enterprise Management with Intune
Administrators managing multiple computers for a business can use Microsoft Intune to control the Windows 11 update version across all machines at once.
Summary
Selecting a specific Windows 11 update version puts upgrade control in your hands, whether utilizing Group Policy, the Registry, or Intune.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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