Microsoft has announced changes to Windows Update that will allow users to pause updates indefinitely, in periods of up to 35 days each time. This feature, available to users of the Dev and Experimental channels of Windows Insider, responds to one of the most common complaints about the operating system: the interruption of games or important tasks by automatic updates.
How the new update control works 🛠️
The feature allows the user to stop downloads and installations for a maximum of 35 days per cycle. At the end of that period, the system will forcibly resume the process, although the user can pause again for another 35 days. This applies to both security patches and optional updates. The option is found in the Settings menu, within Windows Update. Microsoft thus seeks to give more control without eliminating the mandatory nature of critical updates in the long term.
Goodbye to the blue screen in the middle of the game 🎮
Finally, you can finish that game without Windows deciding it's the perfect time to restart. 35 days of respite that, let's be honest, many will use to postpone the dreaded restart indefinitely. Too bad the system still has the last word: when the 35 days expire, you'll have to update no matter what. But hey, at least we'll have plenty of time to think of a good reason not to do it.