Microsoft Makes Windows 11 Updates Less Frustrating With One Monthly Restart

Windows 11 will bundle restart-required updates so PCs can complete driver, .NET, firmware, and monthly security updates with a single restart each month.

Microsoft is rolling out the change to Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. The company started introducing the new behavior with updates released on and after July 28, 2026.

Windows 11 will combine several updates into one restart

Microsoft explains in its Windows Update documentation that Windows can now hold certain updates that require a restart until the next monthly security update arrives.

Windows will combine three main types of updates:

• Driver updates delivered through Windows Update
• .NET updates
• Firmware updates

Instead of installing each update separately and potentially requesting multiple restarts, Windows installs the accumulated updates together with the monthly security update and prepares one restart.

Microsoft has gradually expanded the feature, including alongside the August 2026 Windows 11 security updates.

Security updates will not wait

The new system does not delay Microsoft’s normal monthly security updates. Those patches continue to arrive on their regular schedule, while Windows aligns eligible driver, firmware, and .NET updates with them.

Once the updates are ready, Windows attempts to schedule the required restart outside the user’s configured active hours.

Users can find the combined updates under Windows Update > Available updates.

Those who want to complete the process sooner can select Restart now in Windows Update or choose Update and restart from the Start menu.

Some updates will still install immediately

Microsoft will not hold every update until the monthly restart.

Microsoft Defender security intelligence updates, AI component updates, critical or expedited drivers, and emergency or out-of-band fixes will continue installing as soon as they become available.

Microsoft also notes that Windows will not hold an eligible update indefinitely. If an update has waited too long, Windows can install it and require a restart to keep the PC secure and up to date.

The company says the feature is rolling out gradually, so some Windows 11 PCs may not have the new behavior yet.

The change comes as organizations using Windows 11 Hotpatch prepare for two consecutive months with required reboots.

Microsoft has confirmed that Hotpatch devices will require restarts in both September and October 2026.

For regular Windows 11 users, however, Microsoft’s update batching should make routine Windows Update installations more predictable by reducing several restart requests to one monthly restart.

Via Windows Latest