How To Conceal Updates in Windows 11: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Hide Updates in Windows 11

Tired of Windows 11 constantly pushing updates that throw a wrench in your workflow? Yeah, that can be a pain. Fortunately, there’s a way to take back some control using the “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.” It’s basically your shield against those pesky updates you don’t want—at least for now. Here’s how to make it work for you.

First up, this tool isn’t included in Windows 11 by default, which is kind of weird but here we are. So, you’ll need to grab it from Microsoft’s site. Just search for the “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.” It’s a quick download and totally safe, but, as always, don’t click any weird links—stick to the official Microsoft page to avoid any funny business.

If you’re looking for a direct path, head to this link: Microsoft Support. You can also find the troubleshooter lurking in the troubleshooting settings if you prefer that route.

Once you’ve got it downloaded, just double-click the file and let it run. It may take a hot minute, especially if your internet is sluggish or your system has updates piling up. It’ll comb through everything to figure out what’s queued up to install.

If you want to dive into this manually, go to: Settings > Privacy & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. You can also run it straight from the Command Prompt or PowerShell with this command: msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic. Fair warning—it might take a couple of tries to get it recognized properly. Some users have reported this tool being more temperamental than it should be.

Once it’s done scanning, you’ll get to choose “Hide updates.” This part is pretty crucial; you’re not just hiding one update—you’re telling it to skip certain ones entirely. This can be a total lifesaver for those updates known to cause mayhem or just plain unwanted drama.

After you see the list, check the boxes by the updates you want to ditch. Just a heads-up: be careful. Hiding something crucial could open doors you’d rather keep shut. Experienced folks usually only hide the troublemakers, not patch updates that could keep the system secure.

Oh, and for those who love to live on the edge with command lines, there’s DISM or Windows Update CLI for more in-depth management—but let’s be real, the troubleshooter is the easiest route by far.

Hit confirm and let the tool do its magic. It builds a pretty effective barrier against those updates you selected. You might have to restart your system to lock it in place, which you can do from:

Start Menu > Power > Restart
Or, quick keyboard shortcut: Alt + F4 then select Restart

You can even use PowerShell for this with: Restart-Computer. After that restart, those updates you’ve hidden are effectively off the radar.

Once everything’s wrapped up, you can feel a sense of relief. The updates you’ve hidden won’t bother you, until you decide to run the troubleshooter again. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s definitely a way to dodge some issues while you prioritize your time elsewhere.

Tips for Hiding Updates in Windows 11

Always back up your system before messing around with updates. Sometimes tweaking updates can lead to unexpected fallout. Use File History or create a restore point by going to:

Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create a restore point

Do a little research on the updates you plan to hide. Not all updates are created equal, and hiding one you shouldn’t could leave you exposed.

Don’t forget to check for new updates regularly. They can fix problems or introduce features that might be worth the hassle. You can do this through Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Know that hiding updates isn’t a forever solution. If you want to unhide them later, just run the troubleshooter again and select Show hidden updates.

It’s a good idea to run the troubleshooter every once in a while—maybe monthly—to manage any new updates that pop up or that you want to delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I hide an important update by mistake?

No need to freak out. Just rerun the troubleshooter and choose Show hidden updates to undo your previous choices. You can also tackle hidden updates through Windows Update settings under Advanced options.

Will hiding updates affect my system security?

Yep, it can. Only hide those updates you’re comfortable with skipping—security patches especially. Sure, it might feel like a fine line but it’s something to keep in mind. Regularly checking for updates manually helps keep security intact: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Can I unhide updates later?

msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic

and select Show hidden updates to uncheck the ones you previously hid.

Is the troubleshooter tool safe to use?

How often should I check for new updates?

A once-a-month check is a solid game plan. Manually checking via Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates will keep you in the loop while managing updates effectively.

Managing updates in Windows 11 doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest. This troubleshooter is a surprisingly straightforward way to keep control over what goes on your system without all the drama. Just remember, hiding updates isn’t the end of the road, and sometimes revisiting your choices can lead to finding those gems that are actually helpful. So, keep your system backed up and take charge of your Windows experience in your own time. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone.

Download the “Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter” from Microsoft.
Run the tool to scan for updates.
Pick which updates to hide.
Confirm your choices and restart your system.
Check regularly for new updates.

Just something that worked on multiple machines.