Turn On Or Off Updates For Other Microsoft Products In Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to update not only the operating system but also other Microsoft products, such as Office or Visual Studio, via Windows Update. This feature ensures your Microsoft software stays up-to-date without needing separate update tools. However, you may want to turn this option on or off based on your preferences or requirements. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you do that.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

1. Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon) in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Select the Settings option (gear icon) from the menu, or simply type “Settings” in the search bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update

1. In the Settings window, locate the left-hand menu and click on Windows Update at the bottom.
2. This will open the Windows Update section where you can manage update preferences and view update history.

Step 3: Access Advanced Options

1. Under the Windows Update section, click on Advanced options.
   • This section contains additional settings for updates, including update delivery and notification preferences.

Step 4: Locate the “Receive Updates for Other Microsoft Products” Option

1. In the Advanced options menu, scroll down until you see the toggle for Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
   • This option ensures that Windows Update also updates Microsoft products installed on your computer, like Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, or .NET frameworks.

Step 5: Turn On or Off Updates for Other Microsoft Products

1. To Turn On Updates:
   • Toggle the switch to the On position.
   • This ensures that updates for other Microsoft products are downloaded and installed alongside Windows updates.
2. To Turn Off Updates:
   • Toggle the switch to the Off position.
   • This disables automatic updates for other Microsoft products, and you’ll need to update them manually or through their respective applications.

Step 6: Confirm Your Settings

1. Once you’ve toggled the setting to your preference, there’s no need to click Save; the changes are applied automatically.
2. You can close the Settings window by clicking the X in the upper-right corner.

Bonus: Check for Updates Manually

If you’ve enabled updates for other Microsoft products and want to check for updates immediately:

1. Go back to the Windows Update section in Settings.
2. Click on the Check for updates button.
   • Windows will scan for updates for both the operating system and other Microsoft products.
3. If updates are available, they will begin downloading automatically.

Why Turn On or Off Updates for Other Microsoft Products?

Turn On Updates:

• Ensures all Microsoft products are secure and updated with the latest features.
• Saves time by managing updates in one place instead of separately.

Turn Off Updates:

• Useful if you prefer to manually control updates for specific software.
• Prevents potential interruptions if other Microsoft product updates take longer than expected.

Conclusion

Customizing the update settings in Windows 11 allows you to take control of how your system manages updates for Microsoft products. Whether you prefer automation or manual updates, following the steps above ensures that your system aligns with your preferences.

By keeping these settings optimized, you can maintain a secure, efficient, and up-to-date computing environment.