How to control what updates and what doesn't in Windows 11

Manage updates in Windows 11 It's a growing need, especially for those who value system stability and prefer to avoid unexpected setbacks. Automatic updates can be a headache if they appear at the worst possible time, restarting your computer without warning or causing compatibility issues after installation. But is it possible to take control and decide what gets updated and what doesn't in this operating system? In this article, we'll explain everything in a simple and detailed way, so you can decide how and when your computer gets updated.

Over the past few months, especially after some serious bugs in recent updates, thousands of users have been looking for solutions to Stop or customize Windows 11 updatesProblems can affect everything from system security to the continuity of your daily work. Therefore, here you'll discover all the available options to manage this process according to your needs, avoiding both unnecessary hassles and security risks.

Why is it important to control updates in Windows 11?

One of the main reasons for manually manage updates This is the recent experience of many users after an update caused failures in the Windows security service and Defender antivirus. This left many computers unprotected, forcing them to look for alternative solutions and even install third-party antivirus software.

Control updates It allows you to avoid these setbacks and decide when is the best time to update your system, minimizing the risks of unexpected errors, performance losses, or unprotected equipment. This way, you can ensure that critical security updates are applied when it's most convenient for you, without compromising the stability of your work or personal environment.

Options available to customize Windows 11 updates

Windows 11 doesn't make it as easy as previous versions to fully control updates, but there are ways to do it. customize or even disable automatic updatesYou can opt for a radical strategy, blocking updates altogether, or choose a more flexible option that allows you to authorize each download and installation.

• Turn off automatic updates: Prevents automatic installation of any updates. Ideal if you value absolute control, although it involves making manual updates periodically to maintain security.
• Set to be notified: Allows you to decide on each occasion whether or not you want to install the update, receiving warnings but without the system acting on its own.
• Schedule reboots and active hours: Prevents Windows from restarting your computer during your work or frequent use hours, minimizing interruptions.
• Restore previous versionsIf an upgrade causes problems, you can always revert to a previous version of Windows 11, though you'll need to make sure you have backups.

Methods to disable or customize automatic updates

There are several ways to manage Windows 11 updates, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are detailed instructions for each option.

Completely disable automatic updates

This is the preferred option for those seeking complete control. However, keep in mind that this way your system won't receive security updates automatically and you'll have to do it manually from time to time.

• Press the keys Windows + R to open the Run box.
• Write services.msc and press Enter.
• Search for the service called Windows Update on the list.
• Double click on it and change the startup type to Disabled.
• Stop the service if it is running.

Warning: If you choose this option, your computer will automatically stop receiving both functional and security updates. Remember to review and manually apply critical patches to avoid putting your computer at risk.

Configure updates to install only when you decide

If you prefer a less drastic solution, you can have Windows prompt you before downloading and installing any updates. This way you'll have control without sacrificing security..

• Repeat the first steps above: Windows + R y services.msc.
• Search Windows Update, double-click and select Manual o Automatic (delayed start) as a start type.
• In the Windows Update settings options, choose Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them.

This will allow you to continue receiving notifications about new updates, but you will be the one who authorizes the download and installation, avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Set active hours to avoid interruptions

One of the best ways to prevent your PC from suddenly restarting during an update is to set active hours, that is, mark the periods when you usually use your computer. During these periods, Windows won't restart your computer to update it.

• Open Windows Settings (Start > Settings > Windows Update).
• Click on Advanced.
• Look for the option Active hours and select adjust manually.
• Indicate the hours you normally use the equipment (for example, 9:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.).

Thus, you will avoid unexpected restarts while you work or study, although the system will be updated outside of those hours.

Make Windows 11 warn you before restarting

Another feature that Windows 11 offers is to activate the option Notify me when a reboot is needed to complete the update. This way, you will never be caught off guard by unexpected reboots..

• Go to the section Windows Update within Windows settings.
• Accede to Advanced.
• Check the box Notify me when a reboot is needed to complete the update.

Every time an update requires you to restart your PC, You will receive a warning to save all your work and choose a time that best suits you to restart..

Troubleshooting common issues after updates

Occasionally, an update can fail, causing serious errors, as was the case with some recent patches that affected the Windows 11 security service. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several ways to remedy it.

Restore a previous version of Windows 11

If a recent update has caused problems on your computer, you can revert to a previous build and return to a more stable operating system state. It's essential to have up-to-date backups, as this process could result in the loss of recent files.

• press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
• Choose Update and security.
• Click on Recovery.
• Choose Go back to a previous build and follow the instructions on the screen.

This method is especially useful if the system is unstable or essential tools are missing after an update. Remember that there is always a risk of data loss., so prevention is key.

How to troubleshoot errors during the update process

If Windows 11 fails to update or gives you errors during the process, there are a few Tricks that you can try before resorting to more drastic methods:

• Restart your computer before trying anything else. Often a simple reboot can unblock the update process..
• Check your internet connection. An unstable network can cause errors in downloading or installing updates..
• Check the network status by entering Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi o Ethernet as appropriate.
• If you detect that there is no connection, manually reconnect to your usual network.
• Check available disk space. Windows needs enough space to download and install updates (at least 16 GB for 32-bit systems or 20 GB for 64-bit systems). If your computer has little storage, you may need to connect a drive USB external.
• If your storage is at its limit, Use the disk cleanup tool included in Windows to remove Temporary files and other unnecessary data.

Tips to keep Windows 11 secure and stable by controlling updates

Just because you're taking control of updates doesn't mean you should forget about them altogether. Keep the system updated remains crucial to protect yourself against recent threats and vulnerabilities. Here are some key recommendations:

• Check periodically for available updates even if you have disabled them, especially critical security ones.
• Make regular backups to protect your documents and settings in case you need to restore your system.
• Read other users' comments and experiences before installing a major update, especially if it has caused problems in the community.
• If you decide to install alternative antivirus, check its compatibility with Windows 11 to avoid further conflicts.

Microsoft recommends keeping your system up to date to take advantage of the latest security improvements and fixes, But the ability to decide how and when to install each update is essential to avoid surprises..

Microsoft's role and the debate over update quality

The latest wave of issues following certain Windows 11 updates has sparked intense debate among users and experts. Many believe the glitches could be avoided with more rigorous testing processes before each patch is released. Criticism has led Microsoft to implement more accessible warning and recovery systems, although many find them still insufficient.

Therefore, now more than ever it is relevant to adopt strategies to manage updates to suit you, thus avoiding becoming a victim of unforeseen errors and ensuring the optimal functioning of the operating system.

Thanks to the options outlined in this article, you now know how Take control of updates in Windows 11 and adapt them to your particular needs. Whether it's pausing reboots, choosing when to install patches, or even restoring previous versions when something goes wrong, you have enough tools to avoid relying entirely on the system's automatic decisions.

By adopting these tips, you will keep your PC under control, you will decide the best time to update y you will minimize unforeseen eventsRemember: the key is to find the balance between security and convenience, always making backups before applying major changes and staying informed about new Microsoft releases.