If you have a Windows 11 device with an older version of the operating system, it’s important to know that your system may be automatically upgraded to Windows 11 version 23H2. Microsoft has a history of enforcing upgrades and will continue to do so.
Microsoft’s reason for pushing newer versions of Windows onto user devices is straightforward: all Windows versions eventually stop receiving updates and support.
To ensure that user systems continue to receive updates and support, Microsoft enforces automatic upgrades to newer versions, with security being a major reason for this decision.
Surprisingly, these upgrades may occur months before the actual end of support for the operating system.
Microsoft has confirmed the forced updates to Windows 11 version 23H2 on the official Windows 11 Release Information website, stating, “Windows 11, version 23H2, also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update, is now entering a new rollout phase. We are starting to update eligible Windows 11 devices automatically to version 23H2.”
According to the post, the updates will be automatic, targeting Windows 11 devices that have reached or are approaching the end of servicing, using machine learning-based training.
In essence, if you are running Windows 11 version 22H2 or an older version, there is a chance that Windows 11 version 23H2 will be automatically installed on your system, even if you do not want it.
While there is little reason not to install the update to ensure system support, this approach takes away control from users.
Delaying the update
If you need more time, you can delay the forced installation of the update. While you can do this manually, using the freeware InControl may be a better option for many users. It takes just a few clicks to set a desired version of Windows using the tool.
Windows Update honors this preference, at least until the operating system version reaches the end of support. Regular updates will continue to be installed, but any feature update release won’t be installed.
The only exception is that 60 days after the end of servicing, Microsoft will start to ignore the preference. This means that you may run the Windows 11 version for the entirety of its lifetime plus an additional 60 days.
After downloading the program, it will inform you right away if operating system updates are under your control. You can then set a desired version and release, activate the “Take Control” button, and the program will confirm that you are in control, meaning that Windows Update won’t install a new feature update on the system.
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