Microsoft finally lets you pause Windows updates for 35 days, here is how

Microsoft is addressing a major complaint that Windows users have had for years now. The company will now give you the control to pause Windows updates indefinitely, for 35 days at a time. Here is how it works.

In Short

• No more forced Windows updates, says Microsoft
• You can now pause updates indefinitely for Windows
• You will also be able to shutdown your PC without installing an update

Windows updates can be quite a hassle. You may be working on an important presentation or about to log into an important meeting, and then your PC decides that it was the perfect time to install a Windows update. If you are one of many who have faced such a situation, Microsoft may have heard you. The company has announced that it will now give users the option to pause updates for Windows indefinitely.

In a blog post, Microsoft confirmed that it was changing the way Windows updates work based on user feedback. The company stated, “We are continually reading the feedback submitted about the Windows update experience.”

Now, Microsoft says users will be able to pause Windows updates, and restart their PC without installing updates too. According to the company, this addresses two major user complaints – “disruption caused by untimely updates and not enough control over when updates happen.”

Pause Windows updates, 35 days at a time

To address all issues, Microsoft said that it is making four main changes. Users will be able to skip updates during the out-of-box experience, or OOBE, which is the setup process when you first power on a new device. That is, you can now set up your new Windows laptop much faster than before, and then update it later on.

The bigger addition is the pause updates feature. Microsoft stated that now, you will get a calendar interface to choose a specific day to pause updates until, for up to 35 days.

When that period ends, you can pause updates again for another 35 days. And as per Microsoft, there are no limits on how many times the pause end date can be extended. That is, you can keep pausing updates indefinitely. However, If you do not re-pause updates after the 35-day period ends, updates will resume as usual.

No more forced update installations

Microsoft is also changing the power menu. No longer will you be forced to “update and shutdown” or “update and restart” your computer. Rather, you will get the option for standard restart and shut downs, even when updates are waiting to be installed.

The company said that if users choose Restart or Shut down, Windows will carry out that action without unexpectedly starting an update.

The fourth change is for more clarity. Microsoft is also adding more detail to update labels, especially for driver updates. titles will now include the device class so users can see whether an update applies to display, audio, battery, extension, HDC, or another driver category. This will allow users to better understand what the updates are for.

Who gets the new Windows update features?

As per the blog post, Microsoft has started rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel and the new Experimental Channel. The company added that it will share more details later on how these features will work for commercial customers and what controls will be available to administrators.

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