How to Hide Updates in Windows 11
Sick of Windows 11 constantly pestering you with updates that mess with your mojo? Yeah, that can be pretty frustrating. Luckily, there’s a handy way to take control with the “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.” It’s basically your shield against those annoying updates you don’t want—at least for now. Here’s how to get it working for you.
First up, this tool isn’t bundled with Windows 11 straight out of the box, which is a bit odd, but it is what it is. You’ll need to nab it from Microsoft’s official site. Just search for “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter,” and it’s a quick, safe download. Fair dinkum—stick to the official Microsoft page and dodge any dodgy links to stay safe.
If you want the straightforward link, head here: Microsoft Support. You can also find the troubleshooter in the troubleshooting section within Settings if you prefer
Once you’ve downloaded it, simply double-click the file and let it do its thing. Might take a tick, especially if your internet’s slow or you’ve got a mountain of updates. It’ll scan through everything to figure out what’s queued up for installation.
If you’re keen to do this all manually, go to: Settings > Privacy & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. You can also run it straight from Command Prompt or PowerShell with this command: msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic. Fair warning—it can be a bit temperamental, so you might need to give it a couple of shots to get it working properly. Some folks reckon it’s more finicky than it should be.
After it finishes scanning, you’ll see the “Hide updates” option. This is a pretty handy step—you’re not just hiding one update, but telling Windows to skip specific ones altogether. Deadset handy if there are updates that cause headaches or unwanted drama.
Check the boxes next to the updates you want to dump, but be careful—hiding something important might cause issues. Usually, pros only hide the troublemakers, not patches that keep your system safe.
And if you’re a fan of command lines, there’s DISM or the Windows Update CLI for more advanced management— but let’s be honest, the troubleshooter is the easiest way to go.
Hit confirm, and let the tool do its thing. It’ll create a pretty solid barrier against those selected updates. You might need to restart your PC to lock everything in, which you can do via:
- Start Menu > Power > Restart
- Or, quick as a flash: Alt + F4 then pick Restart
You can also restart from PowerShell with: Restart-Computer. Once your machine’s back up, the updates you selected to hide are pretty much off the radar.
After all that’s done, you can breathe easy knowing those updates won’t bother you for the time being. Of course, you can always run the troubleshooter again later if needed. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s handy for dodging a few hassles while you sort out other stuff.
Tips for Hiding Updates in Windows 11
- Always back up your system before messing with updates. Sometimes tweaking them can cause unexpected dramas. Use File History or create a restore point via:
Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create a restore pointFAQs
What if I hide an important update by mistake?
No worries. Just run the troubleshooter again and select Show hidden updates to undo your choices. You can also manage hidden updates through Windows Update settings under Advanced options.
Will hiding updates hit my security?
It can, so be selective. Only hide updates you’re comfortable skipping—especially security patches. It’s a bit of a balancing act, so keep that in mind. Checking for updates manually every now and then keeps you protected: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Can I unhide updates later?
Absolutely. Just run the troubleshooter again with:
msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnosticthen select Show hidden updates and uncheck any you’d like back in.
Is the troubleshooter safe?
Too right. It’s an official Microsoft tool designed to help manage updates without risking your PC. It might take a moment to get used to, but it’s all above board.
How often should I check for updates?
Once a month is a good shout. Manually checking via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates keeps you in the loop with minimal fuss.
Managing updates in Windows 11 doesn’t need to be a nightmare. This troubleshooter is a fair dinkum easy way to keep control over what gets on your system. Just remember, hiding updates isn’t forever, and coming back to them later might reveal some worthwhile fixes. Keep your system backed up and manage it at your own pace. Hope this helps save someone a tonne of time!
- Download the “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter” from Microsoft.
- Run the tool to scan for problematic updates.
- Select which updates to hide.
- Confirm and restart your PC.
- Keep an eye out for new updates, and hide what you don’t need.
This method’s worked on a bunch of machines, too. Cheers!