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How to set Windows 11 for manual updates.

Anonymous
2024-11-20T16:28:41+00:00

I am on Windows 11 Pro, version 23H2. I would like to manage Windows updates manually. I would like Windows to inform me about newly available updates automatically but not installing them, so I can decide which one I will install and when. I read the article "How to stop automatic updates" (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-stop-automatic-updates/536812f6-e184-43fc-a80b-a569c39c63fd) and many others and learned about different way how to turn off automatic updates. I turn off automatic updates using the Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor. Never the less, I do not know, if Windows will continue to inform me about available updates. Also I do not know how can I check, which new updates are available for my PC. I would like also to have the option to check for new updates manually. Last time, when I pressed the button "Check for updates" Windows checked, found some updates and without any further question / confirmation installed them. This is not what I am looking for. I liked the way it was working in Windows 7. I would like to have the same possibility in windows 11. Regards Robert

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-11-22T14:22:58+00:00

    I'm glad I could be of some help, even if it wasn't the answer you were hoping to hear.

    Microsoft made it clear that their goal is for all their users to be running a currently supported version of Windows. I could discuss their reasons for this decision, but that wasn't the topic of your question. (Some updates are optional, however.)

    At the same time, Microsoft has to take into account that organizations may want to distribute updates to computers in their network according to their internal schedule. So for organizations that distribute updates on their own, they have provided group policies to make this easier.

    Of course, it's not my place to tell you what you should do, only to explain. I personally would not recommend a practice that goes against Microsoft's goals. Microsoft takes active steps to ensure that Windows PCs are updated.

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  2. Sumit D - IA 169.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-11-22T08:57:16+00:00

    >>I will inspect, what will happen on my NB with this setting.

    It will download the updates, but prevent a restart and will only do when you approve:)

    >>3. Some critical updates for Windows Security might bypass this GPO, which is crucial from a security point of view.

    This includes only the Security definitions, which keeps your PC protected and do not require a restart :)

    I hope that clarifies your doubts, and I appreciate your reply as well.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-22T08:36:48+00:00

    Hi Sumit.

    Thanks for the answer.

    As far as I can see, your suggestion "Notify to download and Notify to install" is the option no. 2 in Local Group Policy Editor.

    At the moment I am on option no.3 "Download the updates automatically and notify when they are ready to be installed".

    I will inspect, what will happen on my NB with this setting.

    Never the less, your comment makes me a little bit distrustful to Microsoft, especially the point # 3.

    According to it, Microsoft can push anything to your PC.

    The only protection is to stop the w. update services as far as I can see.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-20T17:11:22+00:00

    I am on Windows 11 Pro, version 23H2. I would like to manage Windows updates manually. I would like Windows to inform me about newly available updates automatically but not installing them, so I can decide which one I will install and when.

    Commencing with Windows 10, that cannot be done.

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  5. Sumit D - IA 169.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-11-20T18:08:32+00:00

    Hi Robert,

    I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

    Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

    Windows 11 Pro user here, who has set up a Group Policy to "Notify to download and Notify to install". Here is how it works:

    1. For monthly updates, you might get a notification that updates are waiting to download, with two buttons - download now or cancel. You can choose any option.
    2. The list of updates will be on the Windows update page, which requires your approval. I added a screenshot for you.
    3. Some critical updates for Windows Security might bypass this GPO, which is crucial from a security point of view.

    Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

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