Microsoft updates Windows 11 to reduce restart frequency

Microsoft is implementing changes to the Windows 11 update process to reduce the frequency of system restarts and improve the user experience. Under a new orchestration model, the company aims to consolidate driver, .NET, and firmware updates with monthly security updates. This change is intended to limit required restarts to approximately once per month for eligible versions, including Windows 11 24H2 and subsequent releases.

Additionally, Microsoft is refining how power operations interact with pending updates. In recent optional updates, the system has begun distinguishing between standard power actions and update actions. When a user selects ‘Shut down’ or ‘Restart,’ the device will perform that specific action directly without forcing an update installation. Updates will only be applied if the user explicitly selects ‘Update and shut down’ or ‘Update and restart.’

Microsoft has also addressed sleep behavior during updates. Previously, devices manually set to sleep might wake up to complete an update and remain awake. New adjustments ensure that if a device is manually put into sleep mode, it will return to a sleep state once the update process is finished.