‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCs

InnovationCybersecurity‘Shutdown, Restart’—Microsoft Changes Windows On 1 Billion PCsByZak Doffman,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Zak Doffman writes about cybersecurity, surveillance and privacy.Follow AuthorApr 25, 2026, 05:59am EDTApr 25, 2026, 06:01am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.All change for your PC.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesMicrosoft has now confirmed major changes to the way in which Windows works on your PC — or rather doesn’t work. This is all about Microsoft forcing updates, restarts and shutdowns. And it affects more than a billion of its users.Two key complaints "persistently pop out,” says Microsoft’s Aria Hanson in a new blogpost. “Disruption caused by untimely updates and not enough control over when updates happen.” Not any more — which is a huge, sudden change.All change for your PC.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesHanson is “excited to share" the improvements to Windows Update “now starting to roll out” as a "direct result of your feedback.” Windows users now have “more control" over their PCs, while keeping devices "secure by design and by default."“Shutdown, Restart on your terms,” Microsoft says. “Restarting or shutting down your PC should always be simple, predictable, and on your terms – even with updates waiting to be installed.” And that sums up the change.MORE FOR YOUThe point-by-point updates coming to your PC are as follows:"Skip updates immediately during the out of box experience (OOBE)Extend update pauses as many times as you needAlways-available options to shut down and restart without updatingMore insights on available updates so you can make more informed installation decisions."This is good news for Windows 11 users, which now number more than one billion of Microsoft’s install base, a number set to grow with the next Windows 10 upgrade deadline less than six...