Microsoft Adds Windows Update Controls to Reduce Disruptive Restarts
Summary
Microsoft is rolling out Windows Update changes to Insiders, including date-based pauses of up to 35 days, optional OOBE update skipping, clearer driver labels, and consolidated monthly restarts. The features are planned for all users.
Key points
- Windows users can skip updates during OOBE and install them later; the option is unavailable on managed commercial devices and systems that require updates to function.
- A calendar interface lets users pause updates until a chosen date for up to 35 days, with pauses extendable repeatedly.
- Standard Restart and Shut down options will be separated from update-triggering power options.
- Driver updates will identify the device type, such as display, audio, or battery, in the update title.
- Driver, .NET, and firmware updates will be coordinated with monthly cumulative updates to reduce required restarts.
- The changes are rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Experimental channels, with broader availability planned later.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Microsoft is rolling out Windows Update controls to Windows Insiders, with a later rollout planned for all users.
- Impact
- The changes let users skip updates during setup, pause updates for up to 35 days, avoid unintentionally installing updates when shutting down or restarting, identify driver updates more clearly, and reduce required reboots by coordinating several update types with monthly updates.