Trending Now - Microsoft Introduces Flexible Windows Update Pause Options
WHO:
The Verge - Microsoft is the organization implementing the changes to Windows Update.
BleepingComputer - Aria Hanson is a representative from Microsoft who provided feedback insights.
WHAT:
Forbes - Microsoft has confirmed that the changes to Windows Update are now starting to roll out to over one billion users.
BleepingComputer - Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows users to skip updates during the out-of-box experience (OOBE), enabling faster access to the desktop.
The Verge - Windows 11 will now provide options in the power menu to restart or shut down without running updates, as well as the option to skip updates when setting up a new Windows device.
The Verge - Microsoft is rolling out changes to Windows Update that allow users to pause updates indefinitely, up to 35 days at a time.
BleepingComputer - Users can now select a specific date to pause updates for up to 35 days using a flyout calendar interface, with no limit on how many times they can extend the pause.
BleepingComputer - Windows Update will now display more detailed titles for driver updates, indicating the device class they apply to, such as display, audio, or battery.
BleepingComputer - Microsoft is consolidating different update types into a single monthly restart to reduce the number of required reboots.
WHERE:
The Verge - The changes are being rolled out to users on the Dev and Experimental Windows Insider channels.
WHEN:
The Verge - The announcement of the upcoming changes was made in March 2026.
BleepingComputer - The improvements are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders.
WHY:
BleepingComputer - The changes were implemented in response to user feedback highlighting two key issues: disruption caused by untimely updates and insufficient control over update installation timing.
BleepingComputer - The changes were made in response to user feedback highlighting issues with disruptions caused by untimely updates and a lack of control over update installation timing.
HOW:
Forbes - Microsoft states that updates will download in the background and wait for a coordinated installation and restart, aligning with the next Windows quality update or other user-approved updates.
The Verge - Users can extend the pause end date for updates as many times as needed, with no limits on resetting to another 35-day window.
BleepingComputer - The Power menu will now separate standard power options from update-related actions, allowing users to restart or shut down without triggering updates.
(UPDATED April 25, 2026 15:12 UTC)
Microsoft has confirmed that changes to Windows Update are now rolling out to over one billion users, introducing a feature that allows users to skip updates during the out-of-box experience for quicker access to their desktops. Additionally, Windows 11 will now include options in the power menu to restart or shut down without running updates, addressing user concerns about disruptions and control over installation timing. Updates will download in the background and wait for a coordinated installation and restart, aligning with the next Windows quality update or other user-approved updates.
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(UPDATED April 25, 2026 11:12 UTC)
Microsoft is rolling out significant changes to Windows Update, allowing users to pause updates indefinitely for up to 35 days at a time, with the ability to select specific dates using a flyout calendar interface. The updates will also feature more detailed titles for driver updates, indicating the device class they apply to, and Microsoft is consolidating different update types into a single monthly restart to minimize reboots. These improvements, currently available to users on the Dev and Experimental Windows Insider channels, come in response to user feedback aimed at reducing disruptions caused by untimely updates.