How to bypass safeguard block to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2

Yes, there's a way to bypass the safeguard block to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2, and here's how.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 22H2 disable upgrade block

If you plan to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2, but your device currently has a safeguard hold because of a compatibility problem, it’s possible to bypass the block to continue with the installation, even though it’s not a good idea.

During the early days of a new version of Windows, the system may still have bugs and some known issues that can negatively affect the experience. However, since these problems typically only affect a small portion of devices, instead of pulling off the update, Microsoft places an upgrade block (officially known as “safeguard hold”) to temporarily prevent affected computers from getting the feature update. After the issue has been fixed by Microsoft or external sources, the company will remove the block to allow previously affected devices to upgrade. 

If the upgrade option to Windows 11 22H2 is missing from the Windows Update settings because of a safeguard hold, you can disable the policy to remove the upgrade block through the Group Policy Editor or Registry. Usually, this process isn’t recommended because you may encounter problems during and after the upgrade, but it can come in handy in many scenarios. For instance, if it is been some time and the device is not getting the new version. You want to test the update on a spare computer before upgrading your primary device, or you cannot wait until the new version arrives automatically.

This guide will teach you the steps to disable the safeguard hold policy on Windows 11.

Warning: Installing a new version of Windows 11 when it is not fully compatible with your device configuration can negatively affect your experience and, in some cases, cause data loss. Following these instructions is not recommended unless you know what you’re doing and understand the risks. Also, if you plan to use the Registry option, consider that changing the database settings can damage your installation if it’s not done correctly. It’s assumed that you know what you’re doing and that you have previously created a full backup of your computer. You have been warned.

Disable block from Group Policy to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2

To disable the safeguard hold to upgrade Windows 11 22H2, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 11.

  2. Search for gpedit.msc, select the top result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

  3. Browse the following path:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update

  4. Double-click the “Disable Safeguards for Feature Updates” policy.

    Manage updates offered from Windows Update

  5. Select the Enabled option.

    Disable safeguards for Feature Updates

  6. Click the Apply button.

  7. Click the OK button.

  8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, the compatibility block will be removed, and you’ll be able to use the Windows Update settings to download and install the 2022 Update. (It might take up to 48 hours before the update becomes available on your computer.)

After the installation, the policy will reset, and you will need to configure it again if your device has a compatibility hold during the next feature update rollout.

Disable block from Registry to upgrade to Windows 11 22H2

To bypass the safeguard hold to install Windows 11 22H2 from the Registry, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit, and select the top result to open the Registry.

  3. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

  4. Right-click the “Windows” key, select the New submenu and choose the Key option.

  5. Name the key WindowsUpdate and press enter.

  6. Right-click the “WindowsUpdate” key, select the New submenu, and choose the “DWORD (32-bit) Value” option.

    Create key DisableWUfBSafeguards

  7. Name the key DisableWUfBSafeguards and press enter.

  8. Double-click the newly created key and set its value from 0 to 1.

    Windows 11 22H2 disable upgrade block

  9. Click the OK button.

  10. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, the option to install Windows 11 22H2 will be available from the Windows Update settings when you are ready to upgrade.

It’s worth noting that this feature may only work for devices that meet the minimum requirements to run Windows 11. You will need to follow a different set of instructions to upgrade a computer with unsupported hardware.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].