Microsoft Rolls Out Windows Update to Reduce Forced Restarts and Extend Pause Limits

[harlan4096]

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.

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