Microsoft announced significant changes to Windows Update, allowing users to pause updates indefinitely, with each pause lasting 35 days at a time.
The new feature responds to user feedback regarding disruptions caused by untimely updates. Users will now have enhanced control over the timing of updates, with the ability to extend the pause indefinitely.
During the 35-day pause period, users will not receive any update notifications. Microsoft emphasized that while users can defer updates, they should eventually install them, as many updates involve critical security enhancements and emergency fixes.
Aria Hanson, a Microsoft representative, stated that these changes were implemented due to consistent user feedback about the “disruption caused by untimely updates and not enough control over when updates happen.” This shift is part of a broader strategy to improve user experience.
In addition to the pause feature, Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 users can now shut down or restart their devices without being prompted to install updates. These improvements build on a recent update that allowed users to skip updates during the initial setup of new Windows devices.
The new features are currently rolling out to participants in the Windows Insider program, specifically in the Dev and Experimental Channels.
