How to Manage Windows 11 and 10 Updates: Hide or Show with Ease

In a world where software updates are ubiquitous, Microsoft’s Windows 11 and 10 bring a set of features designed to keep users informed, secure, and functional. However, not every update does what it promises — sometimes, they introduce conflicts or undesirable changes. In this context, the ability to hide or show updates on your Windows machine becomes a powerful tool for users looking to maintain control over their systems. This guide will explore how users can manage updates through graphical and command-line methods, providing insights into why one might wish to hide updates and the implications of doing so.

Why Should You Hide an Update?​

There are several compelling reasons to hide specific updates:

• Driver Conflicts: Sometimes an update may conflict with existing drivers or other software installed on your PC. This is especially true for updates that touch on critical areas such as graphics, sound, or networking.
• Feature Breakage: Not all updates are created equal. Some may inadvertently break existing features that you rely on for your day-to-day operations.
• System Stability: If an update is known to introduce bugs or performance issues, hiding it until a patched version is available can be a smart choice. In essence, managing your updates proactively can help keep your Windows environment stable and tailored to your needs.

  Hide or Show Updates Using a Graphical Tool​

  Using Microsoft's Show or Hide Updates Tool​

  The most user-friendly method to manage Windows updates is through Microsoft's own Show or Hide Updates tool, which allows users to select specific updates to hide or show.
  1. Download the Tool: The tool is available as a portable application, meaning you don’t need to install anything. You can download it directly from Microsoft’s support page.
  2. Launch the Tool: After downloading, double-click the file to open it.
  3. Scan for Updates: The first screen that appears will prompt you to select "Next." The tool will then scan your available updates, which only takes a moment.
  4. Hiding Updates: Click on “Hide Updates,” then you can select the updates you want to hide from the subsequent options. Click "Next," then wait for the tool to apply these changes.
  5. Showing Hidden Updates: If you decide you want to unhide updates at a later time, repeat the process up to selecting "Show Hidden Updates," at which point you can select which updates to make visible again. This graphical method is straightforward and ideal for users who prefer not to dig into the command line.

     Hide or Show Updates Using PowerShell​

     For advanced users, PowerShell provides a powerful command-line interface to manage updates. PowerShell's flexibility allows users to script and automate various tasks, including hiding and showing updates.

     Steps to Use PowerShell​

  6. Open PowerShell: Click the Start menu, search for "PowerShell," right-click it, and select "Run as Administrator." Confirm any User Account Control prompts.
  7. Install Necessary Module: In PowerShell, you'll need to install a module that aids in managing updates. Enter the following command:

      Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

     Confirm the installation by typing Y when prompted.
  8. Set Execution Policy: This command allows scripts and modules to run:

      Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

     Again, confirm by typing Y.
  9. View Available Updates: Use the command:

      Get-WindowsUpdate

  10. Hiding Updates: To hide a specific update, you’ll replace KBUpdate with the KB ID of the update in the following command:

       Hide-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KBUpdate

      Confirm the action when prompted.
  11. Showing Hidden Updates: To unhide an update, use:

       Show-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KBNUMBER

      Replace KBNUMBER with the ID of the update you want to show. Confirm the action when prompted.

      Limitations of the PowerShell Method​

      Unlike the graphical tool, PowerShell does not allow you to see which updates are currently hidden. Users will need to know the specific KB ID of the updates they want to manage, which requires more technical knowledge and comfort with command-line interfaces.

      Best Practices for Update Management​

      While managing updates according to personal preference is essential, users should approach this with care:
  []Stay Informed: Always remain updated about major updates and their implications. Occasionally, Microsoft releases updates to remedy previous issues, and hiding them may prevent important fixes. []Limit Hiding: Only hide updates when absolutely necessary. Too many hidden updates can compromise security and system functionality over time.
• Regular Checks: Even if updates are hidden, it's wise to periodically review hidden updates to ensure that nothing important is overlooked, especially security-related patches.

  Conclusion​

  Managing updates on Windows 10 and 11 is a straightforward process, whether through graphical tools or PowerShell commands. Users can effectively control their update experience, enhancing system stability and ensuring that only the most necessary updates are installed. By understanding both the reasons for hiding updates and the methods available, Windows users can maintain a smoothly running system tailored to their specific needs. Always remember to strike a balance between security and functionality in your update practices, ensuring your PC remains secure while avoiding the pitfalls of problematic updates. For those interested in delving deeper into update control within Windows, the methods detailed here can serve as a foundation for maintaining a more predictable computing environment.​

  This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge necessary to hide and show updates effectively in Windows 10 and 11. By actively managing your updates, you can enjoy an optimized and personalized Windows experience. Source: How-To Geek How to Hide (and Show) Updates on Windows 11 and 10