Microsoft has started changing one of the most time-consuming parts of the Windows 11 first-run experience. During setup, users are no longer forced to install updates before reaching the desktop, which can make the out-of-box experience significantly faster.
The change matters because the initial update step has long been one of the biggest complaints about new Windows PCs. According to the reference article, that process could take up to 30 minutes, while the entire setup could stretch close to 40 minutes depending on how many updates were waiting.
Windows 11 setup now allows users to skip the update step
Until recently, Windows 11 required a system update as part of the initial setup flow before the desktop became available. That meant new device owners often had to wait through downloads, installations, and restarts before they could use the PC for even basic tasks.
Microsoft now gives users a clear option to move past that stage. In the OOBE screen, a new “update later” button appears below the progress bar, allowing the setup process to continue directly to the desktop.
Aria, a Microsoft engineer working on Windows Update, explained the trade-off in plain terms: “If you choose to skip updates, the latest features and security fixes won’t be applied until you choose to take the updates after hitting the desktop.”
What changes for new PC owners
The practical benefit is simple: users can start using the device sooner. That is especially useful for people who buy a laptop for work, school, or travel and need immediate access without waiting for a long system maintenance process.
This also makes Windows 11 feel more flexible during first startup. Users can finish the core setup, reach the desktop, and decide later when to install updates based on their own schedule.
Still, the new option does not remove the need for updates. It only delays them, which means the device will not have the latest security fixes or feature improvements until the update process is completed after setup.
Why Microsoft is changing the experience
The move appears to be part of a broader effort to make Windows Update less disruptive. Microsoft has been working on a series of adjustments aimed at reducing frustration and making updates feel less intrusive in daily use.
The company has also discussed other improvements that could change how Windows Update behaves over time. Those plans include several user-focused changes that may make the system easier to live with.
- Users may be able to postpone updates indefinitely.
- Restart prompts for installing updates may happen only once a month.
- Update behavior may become less disruptive during normal use.
These ideas show that Microsoft is responding to long-running criticism about updates that interrupt work, delay shutdowns, or slow down the first experience on a new PC.
A response to a common complaint about Windows
For many users, the first minutes with a new computer shape their opinion of the entire operating system. If setup feels long or complicated, the device can immediately seem less polished than alternatives.
That is one reason this change is important in a competitive PC market. macOS, Chrome OS, and some Linux distributions are often seen as offering a quicker and smoother setup flow, so Windows 11’s earlier forced-update behavior stood out in a negative way.
By letting users reach the desktop first, Microsoft is improving perceived responsiveness without abandoning security requirements. The company is not removing updates from the process altogether, but it is giving users more control over when they happen.
What users should still keep in mind
The new option is convenient, but it should not be treated as a permanent substitute for updates. Security patches remain essential, especially on a brand-new device that may still be missing important fixes released after it left the factory.
For that reason, the best practical approach is to use the new flexibility to get into the desktop quickly, then run updates once the system is ready. That balance gives users faster access at setup while still keeping Windows 11 current and protected after installation finishes.
As this change rolls out more widely, new Windows 11 devices should feel less demanding at first startup, with the desktop arriving sooner and the update process moved to a moment when the user is actually ready for it.
