Earlier this year, Microsoft promised to give users more control over Windows updates. Since then, early testers have been able to choose to pause Windows updates for an extended period.
The second major new feature is now also being introduced and relates to shutting down the PC. Previously, users could not decide for themselves whether updates would be installed or not when shutting down their PCs, even if updates were supposed to be paused. This often led to unnecessary wait times and frequent restarts.
Now, Windows Latest reports that it has been able to try out the new update delaying feature for the first time—and according to the report, when shutting down the PC, the following options were selectable when an update was available:
- Shut down
- Restart
- Update and shut down
- Update and restart
If you select “Shut down” or “Restart,” the PC actually shuts down without installing pending updates. In the past, those updates would still be installed because Windows ignored the prompt.
“This change is about is about making the Power menu more predictable, so when you need a quick restart or want to power off before heading out, Windows does exactly what you expect,” Microsoft explained in a Windows Insider blog post.
Who can use this feature?
Currently, the feature is only available as part of the Windows Insider Program. However, it will be rolled out to all Windows 11 users with an upcoming patch release.
The changes to Windows Update may seem minor, but they’re an important step towards giving users back more freedom. There are sometimes good reasons to delay installing an update or to pause them completely for a certain period. Microsoft now recognizes this.
In addition, Microsoft is working to make the Windows Update installation process smoother. Updates are set to become smaller, faster, and require fewer reboots.
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
