Windows 11 version 23H2 is going to be installed automatically on older systems
Windows 11 device owners who still run an older version of Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system need to be aware that their systems may be upgraded automatically to Windows 11 version 23H2. This is not the first time that upgrades are enforced, and it won't be the last by the looks of it.
Microsoft's reason for pushing newer versions of the Windows operating system on to user devices is simple: all Windows versions reach end of servicing eventually. This basically means that they won't receive any more updates going forward.
To make sure that user systems continue to be supported by updates, Microsoft enforces automatic updates to newer versions. Security is one driving factor for the decision.
What users may not understand is that these upgrades may happen months before the actual end of support of the operating system.
Microsoft confirmed the forced updates to Windows 11 version 23H2 on the official Windows 11 Release Information website. There, Microsoft writes: "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. "
The updates will be automatic according to the post: "This automatic update targets Windows 11 devices that have reached or are approaching end of servicing and it follows the machine learning-based (ML) training we have utilized so far.".
In other words: If you run Windows 11 version 22H2 or an older version of Windows 11, there is a chance that Windows 11 version 23H2 is installed on that system automatically. Even if you do not want it.
While there is little reason not to install the update to make sure the system stays supported, it is taking away control from users.
Delaying the update
If you want more time, you may delay the forced installation of the update. While you can do so manually, using the freeware InControl may be the 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 runs out of support. Regular updates continue to get installed, but any feature update release won't be installed.
The only exception to the rule is this one. 60 days after end of servicing, Microsoft starts to ignore the preference. This still means that you may run the Windows 11 version for the entirety of its lifetime plus 60 additional days.
Run the program after download. It tells you right away if operating system updates are under your control. You may now set a desired version and release, e.g., Version 11 and Release 22H2, and activate the "Take Control" button.
The program informs you now that you are in control. This means that Windows Update won't just install a new feature update on the system.
Closing Words
This is not the first time that Microsoft is enforcing upgrades to newer feature update releases. Microsoft announced this strategic decision back in 2019 when it said that Windows 10 upgrades would be enforced when an operating system version neared its end of support.
The last time Microsoft pushed feature updates onto user systems was when Windows 11 version 21H2 reached end of servicing.
Now You: good or bad, what is your take on enforced updates?
Transcript from the GRC site about “inControl” app, quote: “Note that InControl will hold your Windows right where it is, even after the current version and feature release has gone out of support. You will see a complaint about the current version of Windows requiring an update. But your system will not be updated while you are InControl.”
The word “not” is displayed in bold type. Here’s the link to that statement in case anyone needs it: https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm/
I used GRC’s former “Never10” app to prevent M$ from updating Win 8.1 to Windows 10 and that worked perfectly so I have utter faith is the same policy being applied to 23H2
if they do my i am sueing microsoft for theft and stealing
I can’t get this Update because I still use Windows XP. The best of the best Windows. Will never use anything else.
Respect! Lots of stuff still possible in 2024 with XP, I know that for sure.
Use only Wub
https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-8/
Or the following will also work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpRz9EXl69g
I installed InControl quite some time ago and it seems to be doing its job properly so far.
But as I understand it if M$ upgrades the OS to 23H2 users will be forced to to login with a Microsoft a/c which it something I point-blank refuse to do.
In any event, I created a system image backup three months ago and will restore the OS to that if 23H2 arrives on my machine without my consent.
If you set up an earlier version of W11 as a local account, your account stays the same when 23H2 is installed. No worries.
@Seeprime,
I did that in the very begining when I first booted up the Win11 machine I bought last year and successfully avoided logging in with a Microsoft a/c.
You might be right though although I haven’t tested that aspect.
To be fair most of us are going to upgrade anyway so it’s nice that they are doing this. OS updates used to be so much scarier to do in the past.
Glad I still use Windows 7 on my main pc.
I liked 7. How do you handle security?
I guess he still updates it with the latest updates with Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 or Windows POSReady Standard 7 patches every month like I do.
I didn’t wait for that “control” and “enforcement” nonsense to become an issue. I did as Martin has recommended several times: Make a full system image backup; download the latest .iso for 23H2 [or whatever upgrade is looming]; mount the image, and make the upgrade on your own. I found 23H2 to be quite stable, smooth, and responsive.
It may be hard to believe, but MS may be looking out for users of Windows; in other words, it’s an altruistic announcement that if the user has neither the time nor the inclination to upgrade to an overall better version of the OS, MS, trustworthy and sure, will make sure only the latest version of Windows is running on a machine.
A MS viewpoint could be the following: If we don’t “enforce” the upgrade and a high stakes business is targeted and hacked because the IT Department had some “lazy” technicians, then MS could/would be held liable for the data breach or whatever is obtained by the hackers–could be millions of dollars.
Better safe than sorry.
“A MS viewpoint could be the following: If we don’t “enforce” the upgrade and a high stakes business is targeted and hacked because the IT Department had some “lazy” technicians, then MS could/would be held liable for the data breach or whatever is obtained by the hackers–could be millions of dollars.”
I don’t think that has ever happened, MS have really good lawyers and really good T&S, if you’re not running the latest updates, they’re not liable. Stop being silly. Justifying crappy behaviour, what do you owe them??
If Microsoft no clear or clean bloatware apps and stupid features in Windows 11 24H2 then lost more peoples who use Windows.
The era of Windows is on the edge, the more crap it adds the more people look for alternatives.
Let the system that wants to use Copilot, Applications and other things do it with an additional option with an option like in features that is turn off turn on.
This is best idea for all peoples.
I like clean Windows OS where I have control what will use and install.
Time to move to a different OS if you’re playing this kind of game.
That’s how you and I think. Unfortunately, most people won’t care, if they even notice. Or they’ll just have to suck it up for professional reasons.
Since Windows market share has dropped from 90% to 70% it seems that millions of people care.
This is one big advertisiment for some third party freeware I’ve never seen before.
There’s no need to pollute your PC with more bloatware.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/specify-target-feature-update-version-in-windows-11.3811/
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/159624-how-specify-target-feature-update-version-windows-10-a.html
I run Windows 10 pro and don’t want to be involuntarily ‘upgraded’ to windows 11. Accordingly, I had already set my target date version to 22H2 using the group policy editor. However, I decided to run InControl just to see what it said about my setup, and I actually received an interesting answer. it said, “Updates are only partially controlled on this system. This system is missing 4 of the 6 registry keys that can be used to inhibit Windows Update from changing the system OS.” It then suggested that I hit its “Take Control Button” to take full control.
I did not do it because I don’t like making registry changes that I might not remember down the road (I would have documented the changes, but its still a step I don’t like taking without a good reason). However, I will keep InControl available because it might possibly become useful if Microsoft does start forcing updates by ignoring their target date feature. I’d add that I don’t really expect that to happen without ample notice from Microsoft because they (probably reluctantly) added the target date feature for business users concerned about unwanted updates to their system configurations, and Microsoft would certainly receive ample push back from those users if they tried overriding this feature.
Clicking on those links, it looks like a lot of work, if you’re not a techy person.
This program is just a UI for doing basically the same stuff.
Gosh that “InControl” program manages to make itself look quite dated, doesn’t it! Not in a bad way, I like it actually.
But this is the final boundary for me – if a device forces updates on me, then I don’t feel like I have any control over my system, i’m just not gonna use such an OS, be it mobile or desktop. Same goes for software, if I absolutely MUST use it, it’s getting blocked at the firewall level, or it’s gonna be run on an offline device – updates change things, and change must be agreed upon where possible!
Even my PS3 doesn’t force me to update, and it locks you out of network based stuff until you do.
At least for myself, I would prefer a Windows release with a long term support schedule then what Microsoft is pushing with Windows these days. Lot of stuff added in these update releases I could care less about. Probably why Microsoft has to force update many to the most recent release. I would think many users don’t even know what release cadence of Windows they are on. Microsoft should have stuck with what worked, releasing a Windows numerical version with a annual or biannual improvement update.
Force updates are the real face of Minionsoft.
et aussi ubuntu pour les updates malgré la pirse en charge “dite LTS” avec un inscription à “ubuntu-pro” qui EXIGE une adresse mail (donnée personnelle). “Le libre” a pris un serieux coup dans l’ aile….
Microsoft ne me demande pas cela et ne l’ a jamais fait..
@John G. (the false), indeed it was not forced at all. No one is someone until a sad guy clones your nickname.
Dude, ffs…