Microsoft is rolling out updates to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Experimental channels, with plans to make these changes more broadly available later. The updates aim to give users more control over when updates are installed and to reduce the number of restarts needed each month.
This update comes after Microsoft reviewed over 7,600 pieces of direct user feedback, gathered by Aria Hanson. The feedback revealed two main issues: updates disrupting users at inconvenient times and a lack of control over installation schedules.
Repeatable Pause Controls And Separated Restart Options
Windows Update now allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days through a flyout calendar interface that enables them to choose a specific end date. The pause can be extended multiple times without a fixed overall limit. The current system limits how long updates can be deferred before the option is disabled.
The Power menu now differentiates between regular power options and those related to updates. Restart and shut down options can be used without triggering a pending update installation. The options "Update and Restart" and "Update and Shut Down" will still appear when updates are ready, providing users with a clear choice rather than having updates automatically apply on shutdown.
Clearer Driver Updates and Fewer Monthly Restarts
Driver updates in Windows Update now show the device type directly in the update title, such as display, audio, or battery. Previously, multiple driver updates from the same manufacturer would appear under the same company name without indicating which hardware component each update affected.
Microsoft is reducing the number of restarts needed each month by combining driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly cumulative update. These updates will download in the background and wait for a planned installation and restart, which will coincide with the next Windows quality update or a manually approved update. Users who want to install specific updates earlier can still trigger individual downloads and installs manually.
The changes are currently available to Windows Insiders on the Dev and Experimental channels. Microsoft has not announced a timeline for when these updates will be rolled out to all Windows 11 users.
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