Microsoft will let you pause Windows Updates indefinitely, 35 days at a time

2026-04-24 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Microsoft is rolling out significant changes to Windows Update for users on its Dev and Experimental Windows Insider channels, introducing the ability to indefinitely delay updates for 35 days at a time, with no limit on how many times this period can be reset. These updates aim to address common user complaints about disruptive automatic updates, ensuring users are not forced to update during critical tasks. Additional improvements include more detailed titles for driver updates, options in the power menu to restart or shut down without running updates, and the ability to skip updates during new device setup. Microsoft is also "unifying the update experience" to bundle updates, reducing the frequency of reboots by coordinating background downloads and installations.

Key takeaway

Microsoft is rolling out Windows Update changes, enabling users to indefinitely pause updates in 35-day increments by repeatedly extending the pause. This update, available in Dev and Experimental Insider channels, addresses forced update disruptions and includes options to skip updates during setup. It also unifies the update experience to reduce reboots and adds detailed driver titles, significantly enhancing user control and minimizing workflow interruptions.

Topics

• Windows Update
• Update Management
• Windows Insider
• Driver Updates
• Windows 11

Best for: IT Professional, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.