Microsoft Announces No More Forced Updates in Windows 10

One of the reasons many people still have yet to upgrade to Windows 10 was that Microsoft enforced constant 6-month update cycles whether users wanted them or not. They did this to streamline the update process and keep all users on the same version when it comes to important security features and other updates. It seems like Microsoft will not be continuing this practice going forward.

Not only will Microsoft not push required updates, but they will also give users the ability to pause updates and even remove them. There is one catch though, you won’t be able to postpone updates forever. Microsoft has an 18-month “end of life” period for major Windows 10 versions, which means that after your 18 months of postponing (and making sure all the kinks are worked out) your PC will update to the latest version.

Here is a quick blurb from the Microsoft Blog:

Download and install now option provides users a separate control to initiate the installation of a feature update on eligible devices with no known key blocking compatibility issues. Users can still “Check for updates” to get monthly quality and security updates. Windows will automatically initiate a new feature update if the version of Windows 10 is nearing end of support. We may notify you when a feature update is available and ready for your machine. All Windows 10 devices with a supported version will continue to automatically receive the monthly updates. This new “download and install” option will also be available for our most popular versions of Windows 10, versions 1803 and 1809, by late May.

Additional improvements to put users more in control of updates that are being introduced with the May 2019 Update include:

  • Extended ability to pause updates for both feature and monthly updates. This extension ability is for all editions of Windows 10, including Home. Based on user feedback we know that any update can come at an inconvenient time, such as when a PC is needed for a big presentation. So, we’re making it possible for all users to pause both feature and monthly updates for up to 35 days (seven days at a time, up to five times). Once the 35-day pause period is reached, users will need to update their device before pausing again.
  • Intelligent active hours to avoid disruptive update restarts. The active hours feature, introduced in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, relies on a manually configured time range to avoid automatically installing updates and rebooting. Many users leave the active hours setting at its 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. default. To further enhance active hours, users will now have the option to let Windows Update intelligently adjust active hours based on their device-specific usage patterns.
  • Improved update orchestration to improve system responsiveness. This feature will improve system performance by intelligently coordinating Windows updates and Microsoft Store updates, so they occur when users are away from their devices to minimize disruptions.

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