How to disable safeguard block to upgrade to Windows 11 23H2

You can still upgrade to Windows 11 23H2 even if the device has a safeguard hold in place, and in this guide, you will learn how.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 23H2 disable upgrade block
Windows 11 23H2 disable upgrade block

If the Windows Update system placed a safeguard hold for Windows 11 23H2 (2023 Update) because of a compatibility issue with your computer software or hardware configuration, you can disable the block and continue with the upgrade process (even though it’s not recommended), and in this guide, you will learn how.

On every rollout of a new version, the operating system may still have some known issues that can negatively affect the experience. However, instead of halting the rollout, Microsoft usually places a block (officially known as “safeguard hold”) to temporarily prevent affected devices from getting the feature update. After the issue has been resolved by the company or external sources, the safeguard hold is removed to continue with the rollout.

If the upgrade option to Windows 11 2023 Update is missing from the Windows Update settings, you can disable the policy that prevents the upgrade through the Group Policy Editor or Registry. Typically, this process isn’t recommended because you may encounter problems during and after the upgrade, but you may choose to change this setting if it’s been some time and the new version isn’t downloaded automatically or you plan to test the feature update on a spare computer.

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 cause irreversible changes to 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 install Windows 11 23H2

To disable the safeguard hold to upgrade Windows 11 23H2, 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 safeguard hold will no longer prevent the device from upgrading to the new version. However, it might take up to two days before the feature update becomes available on your computer.

The policy will reset after the upgrade, which means that you will have to configure it again if your device has the same problem during the next feature update rollout.

Disable block from Registry to install Windows 11 23H2

To bypass the safeguard hold to install Windows 11 23H2 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_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows

  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 23H2 will be available from the Windows Update settings when you are ready to upgrade.

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 14 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 20 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].