(Credit: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
If you’ve ever been frustrated about a forced Windows update in the middle of a busy day or hard gaming session, Microsoft is making some changes that could make that a thing of the past.
Windows will now clearly separate power actions from update actions. The Power menu will show separate Restart and Shut down options, allowing users to restart or shut down their device without installing the pending update first. At the same time, update-specific options such as "Update and restart" and "Update and shut down" will be available if desired.
If users want to prevent unwanted distractions ahead of time when they're planning travel, conferences, exams, or even just a busy work week, they can now pause incoming updates for 35 days. Users can also choose a specific day of the month to pause updates until and re-pause new Windows updates for up to 35 days at a time, with no limit on how many times they can reset the pause end date.
The improvements are currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Experimental channels, with a broader rollout to all users to follow.
In addition, Microsoft is looking at multiple updates together, so users have to restart their devices less often per month. Going forward, Windows will be coordinating driver, .NET, and firmware updates to align with what it calls the monthly quality update, reducing the update experience to a single monthly restart. However, Windows Insiders in Experimental and Beta channels will still receive weekly updates.
Windows is also making changes so users can better understand why they are getting updates in the first place. Going forward, the device class will be displayed next to the driver title. These users will know it’s for hardware like displays, audio, and batteries, rather than seeing what looks like an effectively random stream of numbers.
Microsoft said it made the latest amendments to the update process in response to user feedback. It's also teased several other upcoming changes, including ways to move Windows 11's currently locked taskbar and reduce "unnecessary Copilot entry points."