Microsoft has informed users who use PCs with Windows 11 21H2 that they will be forcibly updated before the maintenance scheduled for next month. As recalled by the Redmond giant itself, this is a necessary action, because devices with Windows 11 21H2 starting from October 10, 2023 will no longer receive the monthly security updates.
Windows 11 22H2: Forced update is for security reasons
«To maintain security and productivity, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 consumer devices and unmanaged enterprise devices that are at the end of maintenance or within several months. This way the device is supported and receives monthly updates critical to the security and integrity of the ecosystem», reads the support document that can be consulted here.
There’s also good news for anyone worried that the update might be installed at an inopportune time. During working hours, for example. Indeed, the user can set an activity time during which the updates are not installed.
There are just a few steps to manually set an active time:
- To select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours
- Next to Rule working hoursto select manually
- Choose the start and end times for active hours
Microsoft started forcing Win11 21H2 devices to update from January this year. These automatic updates are installed gradually, starting with systems that have been running OS version 21H2 for the longest time. «Since Windows 10, we’ve been helping Windows users stay up-to-date and protected with supported versions of Windows through automatic updates», explains the tech giant. «We use the same approach for Windows 11 to help users stay safe and productive».
Windows 11 22H2 has been in widespread use since October of last year. However, not all PCs are compatible: to check the requirements, you can take a look at this support page or you can use the free PC Health Check tool.
But is there a way to prevent forced installation of Windows 11? Yes, and it’s all explained in this article.