Skip Time-Consuming Updates on Fresh Install with Windows 11

For years, setting up a fresh Windows device meant enduring a significant time sink just to install the latest patches. With Windows 11 accumulating numerous updates over the last few years, users were forced to wait approximately 30 minutes or more—depending on their internet connection—just to reach the desktop. However, a new feature now allows you to bypass this limbo and take control of your setup timeline.

This change means that when you boot a Windows machine fresh out of the box, you will be asked if you want to carry out all those updates later. First spotted by AriaUpdated on X, I verified this myself by booting up a freshly factory reset Gigabyte Aero X16 gaming laptop running the 2025 build.

The New 'Update Later' Option Explained

As confirmed in my testing, the option to 'update later' is now available even on newer hardware. Clicking this button leads to a confirmation screen where you must choose between clicking 'update later' again or selecting 'Complete Updates Now.' This gives users the flexibility to decide when they want their system fully patched rather than being forced into an immediate download queue.

While it is always best practice to update a new desktop or laptop with the latest security and stability patches for Windows 11, skipping them during setup offers more immediate control. If you choose to skip these, your machine won't enjoy up-to-date protection until the process is manually resumed later. However, the installer still includes games like Microsoft Edge's Surf to keep users occupied while waiting.

Despite this improvement, it remains slightly less streamlined than Windows 10, which allowed for easier "speedrunning" of installs without such mandatory waits. This new feature aligns with Executive Vice President of Windows + Devices Pavan Davuluri’s strategy to reduce "disruption from Windows Updates."

Future Goals and Competitive Landscape

At the start of the year, Davuluri outlined a broader vision focused on addressing consistent customer pain points. His roadmap includes:

  • Improving system performance and reliability throughout 2026.
  • Enhancing the overall user experience of Windows.
  • Reducing update-related interruptions during critical usage times.

By allowing users to skip updates, Microsoft is streamlining the first-time setup process significantly. This move brings Windows 11 more in line with its speedier rivals like ChromeOS and macOS, which generally require less initial configuration time.

Of course, the Linux community might argue that their preferred distro still leaves Windows in the dust regarding installation speeds. With custom lock screens available on Linux, I could be tempted to make the switch, but for now, the ability to defer updates is a welcome step toward rebuilding user goodwill.