Windows Update Archives

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Microsoft will let you pause Windows Updates indefinitely, 35 days at a time

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Windows Update system, allowing users to delay updates for up to 35 days and reset this delay multiple times without restrictions. Descriptive titles for driver updates will now specify the device class, and options to restart or shut down without triggering updates will be consistently available in the power menu. Additionally, updates will be consolidated to reduce the number of reboots, with downloads occurring in the background before coordinated installation and restart.

Winsage

April 25, 2026

Hands-On: The New Windows Insider Program and Windows Update

Microsoft has released a pre-release wave of enhancements for Windows 11 through the Windows Insider Program, introducing three notable features: 1. A new Feature flags interface that allows users to toggle new features immediately. 2. An updated experience providing access to both Experimental and Beta channels. 3. The ability to pause Windows Updates indefinitely using a calendar interface. Users must enroll in the Windows Insider Program to access these features. The new "Pick a date" button for pausing updates replaces the previous drop-down menu, allowing users to select specific dates for update pauses. The Experimental channel has replaced the Dev channel, and users can now revert to a stable version with the "Unenroll Device" option. Additionally, users can pause updates for up to 35 days, with the option to extend this pause indefinitely. Future updates will also introduce an "Available updates" interface.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Your Windows update experience just got updated

Windows Insiders are receiving enhancements to the Windows Update experience based on user feedback, focusing on providing more control and reducing disruptions. Key features include: 1. The ability to skip updates during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). 2. Extended options for pausing updates for up to 35 days, with the ability to re-pause as needed. 3. Separation of power actions from update actions, allowing users to shut down or restart without triggering updates. 4. Enhanced insights on available updates, including device class information for driver updates. Additionally, the update process will be unified to minimize reboots, with a single restart expected per month for most users. Updates will download in the background and can be manually initiated by users. Improvements also focus on reducing update times and implementing automatic recovery measures for update failures.

Winsage

April 24, 2026

Microsoft beefs up Remote Desktop security with … hard-to-read messages

Microsoft has released an update to improve the security of its Remote Desktop feature, which includes a warning for users opening Remote Desktop (.rdp) files. However, this warning is not displaying correctly for some users due to a bug identified in the Known Issues list after the April 14 update. The issue primarily affects users with multiple monitors set to different display scaling, leading to overlapping text or obscured buttons. Microsoft has advised users to synchronize their display scaling settings or use keyboard navigation as a workaround. The company plans to address this issue in a future Windows update but is not issuing an Out-of-Band update specifically for it. Additionally, a serious vulnerability (CVE-2026-40372) was discovered in the .NET framework, affecting versions 10.0.0 to 10.0.6, which requires immediate attention. This vulnerability impacts all Windows versions that received the update, including Windows 11 26H1.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 users do not need third-party antivirus software

Microsoft has introduced built-in antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, in Windows 11, which is active by default and continuously updated. Independent testing shows Defender achieving a score of 6 out of 6 from AV-Test and real-world protection rates between 98.5% and 100% from AV-Comparatives. The security features include real-time scanning, behavior monitoring, cloud-delivered protection, SmartScreen technology, Controlled Folder Access, and Smart App Control. Microsoft acknowledges that while Defender is sufficient for most users, third-party solutions may be necessary in enterprise environments. Windows Security benefits from automatic updates through Windows Update, providing continuous protection. Over 500 million Windows 11 users have received this updated guidance.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Do You Need a Third-Party Antivirus for Windows 11? Here’s What Microsoft Says

Microsoft states that the built-in security features of Windows 11 are adequate for most users, suggesting that third-party antivirus solutions may not be necessary. However, there are scenarios where third-party antivirus software can be beneficial, especially due to recent vulnerabilities in Defender. Independent testing organizations have rated Defender highly, with AV-Test placing it among the top antivirus solutions and AV-Comparatives awarding it the Advanced+ badge. Microsoft emphasizes that Defender runs continuously as part of Windows and receives updates through Windows Update, ensuring automatic protection. The company advises that additional security software may be useful for users managing multiple devices or seeking specific features like identity monitoring or parental controls. Safe computing habits are also recommended to enhance security.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Microsoft quietly reveals whether you need a third-party antivirus software in Windows 11

Microsoft has stated that third-party antivirus software is not necessary for Windows 11, as its built-in antivirus solution, Windows Defender, is sufficient for most users. This assertion was made public on April 9, when Microsoft declared Windows 11 the most secure version of its operating system. Windows Defender is effective when users regularly install Security Intelligence Updates, apply monthly Patch Tuesday updates, and activate SmartScreen for filtering harmful downloads. While third-party antivirus solutions may be beneficial in certain scenarios, such as enterprise environments or for users seeking additional features, Microsoft advises relying on a single real-time antivirus solution, which is typically Windows Defender. Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive protection stack that includes real-time scanning, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic updates. Independent tests have shown that Microsoft Defender achieves high protection rates, comparable to leading paid antivirus solutions. The built-in Windows Security application includes features like SmartScreen, Smart App Control, and ransomware protection, providing extensive coverage without additional costs. The consensus is that most users will not need third-party antivirus software in 2026, as Windows Security offers robust protection against modern threats.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Microsoft is finally adding the right kind of AI support to Windows 11

Windows 11 will enhance the Taskbar and Search Box with support for AI agents next month, allowing developers to integrate AI functionalities through new APIs. This feature will not be activated by default, giving users the option to opt out. Microsoft aims to make Windows AI-ready in response to trends where AI tools are more popular on Mac systems, while facing pushback from Windows users regarding AI integration. The company seeks to balance innovation with user concerns and prioritize quality across the platform to regain user trust.

Winsage

April 19, 2026

14 defaults I think are worth changing: Windows 11 feels modern, but many out‑of‑box settings push services, tracking, and clutter.

Windows 11 has default settings that prioritize background services, cloud integration, and recommendations, which can lead to user frustration. Key issues include: - Diagnostic data collection is enabled by default, requiring users to opt out rather than opt in, with no complete opt-out option available. - Post-setup prompts can disrupt workflow, and users can disable them in Settings > System > Notifications. - The default Taskbar includes features like Widgets and Copilot, which can clutter the interface; users can unpin unwanted icons. - Users are encouraged to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup, but can create a local account instead. - Preinstalled applications may clutter the Start menu, and users can uninstall them through Settings > Apps. - Automatic updates can disrupt user activity, and users can schedule restarts in Settings > Windows Update. - Device encryption is enabled by default, with recovery keys saved to a Microsoft account; users should back up the key offline. - The "Find my device" feature requires ongoing location tracking, which can be disabled in Settings > Privacy & security. - File extensions are hidden by default, which can hinder usability; users can enable them in File Explorer settings. - The redesigned context menu hides advanced options, accessible via Shift + Right-click. - Promotional content is integrated throughout the OS, and while it cannot be fully disabled, users can limit suggestions in settings. - Microsoft Edge can consume system resources upon startup due to background processes, which can be disabled in Edge settings.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday release for April is a whopper

A series of updates have been released, focusing on system integrity and performance. Users should perform verification tasks, including installing, uninstalling, and repairing MSI packages, connecting and disconnecting cloud sync providers, and enrolling devices in Intune or MDM solutions. The Common Log File System driver (clfs.sys) is receiving a follow-up patch, along with updates to Storage Spaces (spaceport.sys) and app isolation file system drivers (bfs.sys, wcifs.sys). Users should also run Windows Update installation and rollback cycles, install and uninstall applications, and verify data integrity through backup solutions. For Storage Spaces, creating a pool with mirrored and thin virtual disks and ensuring clean deletion is necessary. April's updates for Office target MSI editions, including Excel 2016 (KB5002860), PowerPoint 2016 (KB5002808), Office 2016 shared libraries (KB5002859), and SharePoint Server editions from 2016 to 2019. These updates do not apply to Click-to-Run deployments like Microsoft 365 Apps. Users should validate complex Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, SharePoint document libraries, and the functionality of Office add-ins. Testing for two High Risk components is essential: changes to Kerberos may disrupt services using RC4 keytabs, and the Remote Desktop client update requires validation of clipboard functionality, printer redirection, and session reconnection. Validating Secure Boot and BitLocker is critical as CVE-2023-24932 key rolling progresses. Additionally, cloud sync testing is important due to five patches to the Projected File System driver, and regression testing is needed for dual afd.sys updates and VPN/IPsec patches across remote-access infrastructure. Office updates are limited to MSI editions.