Microsoft has introduced a change to the Windows 11 out-of-box setup experience that lets users skip the update installation step during initial PC setup. The option is now generally available after months of testing with select groups, according to Aria, a Microsoft engineer working on Windows Update.
Previously, Windows 11 setup forced users to wait for the update process which could take up to 30 minute, Depending on the number of pending updates, resulting in a total setup time of up to 40 minutes.
How the Windows 11 “Update Later” button works and what it means for future updates
New one “update later” The button now appears below the Update progress bar during setup. Users who choose this will go straight to the desktop without waiting for the update to install. Aria confirmed that skipping updates means “the latest features and security fixes won’t be applied unless you choose to install them once they reach desktop.” Updates can later be installed manually through Windows Update in Settings.
This change does not completely remove updates from the setup process. Users who prefer to install updates during setup can do so by allowing the process to complete as before.
Microsoft is adjusting the setup process as part of its ongoing effort to make Windows 11 updates easier. The company has also confirmed two other changes in development: allowing users to postpone updates indefinitely and reducing the frequency of restarts required to apply updates, with a goal of once per month. However, Microsoft has not announced any release dates for these updates.
