Considering a temporary halt on your Windows updates? Experts advise that postponing routine installations might not be the wisest choice. Microsoft has recently introduced enhancements that allow users to dictate when, or even if, they wish to update their devices. This shift comes in response to a wave of complaints from users who found themselves subjected to updates at the most inconvenient moments, such as during critical meetings.
Aria Hanson, a strategic innovator at Microsoft, shared insights in a recent blog post: “We are continually reading the feedback submitted about the Windows update experience. Personally, I’ve had the opportunity to read over 7,621 direct verbatim comments over the last few months.” Two recurring themes emerged from this feedback: the disruption caused by untimely updates and the lack of control users felt over the update process. The changes we’re rolling out today aim to empower Windows users with greater control over their PC experience while ensuring devices remain secure by design and by default.
Users can now pause updates for up to 35 days at a time, with no limit on the number of times this pause can be extended. This means that if you prefer to delay updates indefinitely, you simply need to hit pause again every 35 days. However, experts caution that deferring these installations could lead to more significant issues down the line.
Your Microsoft device must be updated to Windows 11 — the latest operating system — to receive the latest features and security fixes | MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Alex Thompson, a Tech Expert and Windows Specialist at The Computer Portal, remarked to GB News: “Microsoft is essentially handing users a ‘snooze button’ that they can hit indefinitely, which creates some serious security blind spots.” When users postpone updates for extended periods, they risk operating Windows with known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are already exploiting. “The average time between a security patch release and active exploitation is now just 14 days. A user who delays updates for six months could be running software with over 12 unpatched security holes that hackers have detailed maps for.”
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Microsoft pushes out several types of updates, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Security Updates – Critical patches that address vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. These are typically released monthly and should be installed promptly.
- Feature Updates – Larger updates that introduce new tools, design changes, and system improvements, usually rolled out annually.
- Quality Updates (Cumulative Updates) – Regular maintenance updates that fix bugs, enhance performance, and bundle previous fixes into a single installation.
- Driver Updates – Updates that enhance communication between Windows and hardware, such as graphics cards, printers, and peripherals.
- Optional Updates – Non-essential updates, including preview fixes or additional drivers, which users can choose to install.
- Out-of-Band Updates – Urgent fixes released outside the normal update schedule to address unexpected or critical issues.
- Zero-Day Updates – Emergency patches for vulnerabilities that are already being actively exploited or publicly exposed.
Zero-day updates are particularly time-sensitive and should be installed without delay. Kevin Marriott, Director of Cyber Content Strategy and IP at Immersive, emphasized to GB News: “The moment a patch is released, the vulnerability is no longer a ‘Zero-Day’ (unknown); it becomes an ‘N-Day’ (known). Often, threat actors analyze the patch to reverse engineer it and see exactly what code was changed. Consequently, Windows users essentially leave an ‘attack here’ sign for attackers. In 2026, the time-to-exploit has shrunk, and often, functional malware for a new patch is circulating on dark web forums within hours of the update’s release.”
Latest Developments
Recently, Microsoft has rolled out a series of emergency fixes. The tech giant quickly addressed a frustrating false sign-in glitch affecting users’ PCs. Andy Ward, SVP International at Absolute Security, noted: “Delaying Windows 11 updates creates a serious cyber resilience risk because patching is no longer just technical housekeeping; it is one of the most crucial ways to prevent serious cyber incidents and operational downtime.” A recent report revealed that critical OS patching across PCs running Windows 10 and 11 is already lagging by an average of 256 days, a sharp increase from just 56 days the previous year. This indicates that many organizations are operating with a significant vulnerability window, leaving devices exposed to zero-day attacks, ransomware, and credential theft, compounded by the risk of users further delaying updates.
You can delay your Windows update for up to 35 days continuously | UNSPLASH
How to Install Windows 11 Updates
If you have a pending Windows 11 update that you wish to install, follow these steps:
- Click the Start menu (Windows icon).
- Open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update (located at the bottom of the sidebar).
- Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, click Download & install.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
You shouldn’t delay your Windows 11 updates, experts reveal
Considering a temporary halt on your Windows updates? Experts advise that postponing routine installations might not be the wisest choice. Microsoft has recently introduced enhancements that allow users to dictate when, or even if, they wish to update their devices. This shift comes in response to a wave of complaints from users who found themselves subjected to updates at the most inconvenient moments, such as during critical meetings.
Aria Hanson, a strategic innovator at Microsoft, shared insights in a recent blog post: “We are continually reading the feedback submitted about the Windows update experience. Personally, I’ve had the opportunity to read over 7,621 direct verbatim comments over the last few months.” Two recurring themes emerged from this feedback: the disruption caused by untimely updates and the lack of control users felt over the update process. The changes we’re rolling out today aim to empower Windows users with greater control over their PC experience while ensuring devices remain secure by design and by default.
Users can now pause updates for up to 35 days at a time, with no limit on the number of times this pause can be extended. This means that if you prefer to delay updates indefinitely, you simply need to hit pause again every 35 days. However, experts caution that deferring these installations could lead to more significant issues down the line.
Your Microsoft device must be updated to Windows 11 — the latest operating system — to receive the latest features and security fixes | MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Alex Thompson, a Tech Expert and Windows Specialist at The Computer Portal, remarked to GB News: “Microsoft is essentially handing users a ‘snooze button’ that they can hit indefinitely, which creates some serious security blind spots.” When users postpone updates for extended periods, they risk operating Windows with known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are already exploiting. “The average time between a security patch release and active exploitation is now just 14 days. A user who delays updates for six months could be running software with over 12 unpatched security holes that hackers have detailed maps for.”
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICE
Microsoft pushes out several types of updates, each serving a distinct purpose:
Zero-day updates are particularly time-sensitive and should be installed without delay. Kevin Marriott, Director of Cyber Content Strategy and IP at Immersive, emphasized to GB News: “The moment a patch is released, the vulnerability is no longer a ‘Zero-Day’ (unknown); it becomes an ‘N-Day’ (known). Often, threat actors analyze the patch to reverse engineer it and see exactly what code was changed. Consequently, Windows users essentially leave an ‘attack here’ sign for attackers. In 2026, the time-to-exploit has shrunk, and often, functional malware for a new patch is circulating on dark web forums within hours of the update’s release.”
Latest Developments
Recently, Microsoft has rolled out a series of emergency fixes. The tech giant quickly addressed a frustrating false sign-in glitch affecting users’ PCs. Andy Ward, SVP International at Absolute Security, noted: “Delaying Windows 11 updates creates a serious cyber resilience risk because patching is no longer just technical housekeeping; it is one of the most crucial ways to prevent serious cyber incidents and operational downtime.” A recent report revealed that critical OS patching across PCs running Windows 10 and 11 is already lagging by an average of 256 days, a sharp increase from just 56 days the previous year. This indicates that many organizations are operating with a significant vulnerability window, leaving devices exposed to zero-day attacks, ransomware, and credential theft, compounded by the risk of users further delaying updates.
You can delay your Windows update for up to 35 days continuously | UNSPLASH
How to Install Windows 11 Updates
If you have a pending Windows 11 update that you wish to install, follow these steps: