1 min read

Speed Up Windows Updates with a Single Click: A Simple Trick Revealed by Neowin

Speed Up Windows Updates with a Single Click: A Simple Trick Revealed by Neowin
Photo by Arnav Singhal / Unsplash

In an era where time is of the essence, especially when it comes to updating your computer's operating system, every minute saved is a minute earned. Neowin has recently shared a remarkably simple yet effective tip for users of Windows 11 that promises to expedite the often tedious process of installing updates. The secret? It involves just a single click to close one specific program.

According to findings reported by Neowin, shutting down the "Settings" application can significantly speed up the installation of Windows updates. Tests have shown that this simple action can lead to a speed increase of approximately 20%. This is not just a speculative claim but one backed by concrete measurements. For instance, with the Settings app running, a comprehensive set of patches and updates took nearly 21 minutes to install. However, upon closing the app, the same task was accomplished in just 17.5 minutes.

Windows updates are typically managed through the "Windows Update Center" within the System's "Settings" app. One might assume that closing this app would interrupt the download and installation of necessary files, but that's not the case. The process is actually overseen by the MoUSO Core Worker Process, which continues to operate in the background. Users curious about the status of this process can monitor its activity via the "Task Manager."

The exact reason why the Settings application appears to slow down the update process remains a mystery. To date, no clear explanation has been provided for this phenomenon. Nonetheless, the practical takeaway is clear: closing the Settings app during an update can offer a noticeable improvement in installation speed. This simple hack could be particularly beneficial for those looking to minimize downtime and improve their productivity.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, tips like these serve as valuable reminders of the importance of staying informed about the nuances of our operating systems. By understanding and applying such simple tricks, users can ensure their computers are not only up-to-date with the latest security patches and features but also that these updates are installed as efficiently as possible.