Although Windows 10 no longer includes an option to defer feature updates in the Settings app, it’s now possible to configure a new option to set the target version to stay on a specific version until it reaches the end of service, or you can specify the next version you want to upgrade.
The option is known as “Select the target Feature Update version,” and it can be configured through Group Policy or Registry.
While the new policy will make sure to keep the device on a specific version, you can still configure the policy to select when feature updates are received through Group Policy.
In this guide, you’ll learn steps to set the target version of Windows 10.
Set target version of Windows 10 using Group Policy
If the device is running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor to set the target feature update version. This option is available for Windows 10 version 1803 and later.
To configure a target feature update version with Group Policy, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor.
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Browse the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business
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Double-click the Select target Feature Update version policy.
Windows Update for Business Group Policy -
Check the Enabled option.
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Under the “Options” section, confirm the target version of the feature update you want to set the device. For example, 2004 for the May 2020 Update or 20H2 for the next feature update coming in 2020.
Target feature update version of Windows 10 -
Click the Apply button.
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Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stay in the current version until the feature update reaches the end of service. If you specified the next feature update, then once it becomes available, it’ll install automatically on your device.
Set target version of Windows 10 using Registry
If you don’t have access to the Group Policy Editor, you can still set the target version of Windows 10 using the Registry.
To set the feature update target version with the Registry, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
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Browser the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
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Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select the New submenu and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
WindowsUpdate Registry key -
Name the new key TargetReleaseVersion and press Enter.
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Double-click the newly created key and make sure the value is set to 1.
TargetReleaseVersion -
Click the OK button.
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Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select the New submenu and choose the String Value option.
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Name the key TargetReleaseVersionInfo and press Enter.
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Double-click the newly created key and make sure the value to the version you want to target —for example, 2004.
TargetReleaseVersionInfo -
Click the OK button.
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Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, the device won’t upgrade automatically until the version you specified reaches the end of service.
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].