Microsoft has confirmed that its upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 update will be automatically downloaded and installed on eligible devices, with no option for users to cancel the process once initiated.
The update will affect Windows 11 Home and Pro editions running versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 that are not managed by IT departments. While users will receive an alert when the update begins downloading, Microsoft has removed the ability to cancel the upgrade after the download is complete.
While users can temporarily postpone the installation, the update will eventually proceed automatically. This represents a shift in Microsoft's update policy, giving users less control over major system updates.
The announcement comes as Windows 11 continues to gain market share, now within 10% of Windows 10's user base in global statistics. This automatic update approach appears to be part of Microsoft's strategy to transition more users to newer Windows versions.
For users who absolutely must avoid the update, advanced options involving Command Prompt commands are available, though Microsoft recommends allowing updates to proceed for security reasons. This is particularly relevant given the record number of security vulnerabilities addressed in recent updates.
The move affects millions of Windows users worldwide and marks a notable change in how Microsoft handles major feature updates for its flagship operating system.