Windows 11 setup gets faster as Microsoft drops mandatory update step

Windows 11 now allows users to skip installing updates during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).
The change eliminates one of the biggest setup delays, which could take up to half an hour.
Users can now click the “Update later” option and access the desktop immediately, and install updates later.

Windows 11 users can now skip installing updates during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). Microsoft is rolling out the change to new installations or to those after a computer is reset, giving users the option to proceed directly to the desktop instead of waiting through the update phase.

Microsoft finally removes the biggest Windows 11 setup delay

For years, setting up a new device meant sitting through a mandatory update cycle before reaching the desktop. Depending on the number of pending updates and network speed, this process could stretch for a long time and significantly delay first use.

That requirement is now gone. During initial setup, users will see an option to install updates later, allowing them to complete the initial configuration without interruption. The system no longer treats updates as a gatekeeper to accessing the operating system.

Why skipping updates during setup matters for everyday users

This change directly improves the first impression of Windows 11. The setup experience has long been criticized for being slower and more restrictive than competing platforms such as macOS and Chrome OS, both of which prioritize getting users to a usable desktop as quickly as possible.

By removing the forced update step, the software giant is aligning the operating system with modern expectations. Users can start working, installing apps, or personalizing their system immediately after setup. Updates still happen, but they no longer block access. This approach benefits not only consumers but also network administrators, who can now deploy devices faster without waiting for update cycles to complete during provisioning.

How the new Windows 11 setup process works

The updated setup flow still checks for available updates in the background, but it no longer enforces installation before completion. When the update screen appears, users can choose to defer the process and continue.

OOBE Update later option / Image: Microsoft

Once on the desktop, Windows Update resumes its normal behavior and downloads pending updates automatically based on system policies and user preferences.

Windows Update changes signal a broader strategy shift

This update is part of a wider effort to make Windows 11 less disruptive. Microsoft has already confirmed it’s working on reducing the frequency of restarts and expanding options to delay updates for longer periods. These changes indicate a move away from strict update enforcement toward a more flexible model that adapts to user behavior.

However, setup still has a few pain points. You usually need a Microsoft account, and you will see prompts for services like Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft 365, and OneDrive. These steps can feel unnecessary for many users. Removing them would make the setup faster, simpler, and more focused on the user.