Sometimes a specific Windows 11 update, often a driver or optional update, causes problems like crashes, broken hardware, or app errors, and Windows keeps trying to reinstall it. Windows 11 does not have a simple "hide this update" button in Settings, but you can still block individual updates with Microsoft's Show or Hide Updates tool, pause updates temporarily, or use policies to stop driver updates. This guide covers each option and when to use it.
Quick Answer
First uninstall the problem update (Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates). Then run Microsoft's Show or hide updates troubleshooter (wushowhide.diagcab), choose Hide updates, and select the update. To buy time instead, use Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates.
Options at a Glance
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Show or hide updates tool | Hides a specific update so it is not reinstalled | One problematic update or driver |
| Pause updates | Stops all updates for 1 to 5 weeks | Waiting for a fix from Microsoft |
| Exclude drivers (Group Policy) | Stops driver updates from Windows Update | Pro/Enterprise users with a driver problem |
| Metered connection | Limits some automatic downloads | Limited data plans |
Step 1: Uninstall the Problem Update
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
- Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
- Find the update (by its KB number) and click Uninstall.
For a driver update, open Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
Step 2: Hide It With the Show or Hide Updates Tool
- Download Microsoft's Show or hide updates troubleshooter package (wushowhide.diagcab) from Microsoft's official support site. Microsoft originally released it for Windows 10, and it continues to work on many Windows 11 systems.
- Run the file and click Next.
- Click Hide updates.
- Check the update you want to block and click Next.
- Close the tool when it finishes.
To unhide later, run the tool again and choose Show hidden updates. Only download this tool from Microsoft; avoid third-party copies.
Option: Pause Updates
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, choose how long to pause (1 to 5 weeks).
When the pause ends, Windows installs pending updates before you can pause again. This is useful while Microsoft releases a fixed version of a bad update.
Option: Stop Driver Updates (Pro and Enterprise)
- Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
- Double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates, select Enabled, and click OK.
You will then need to get driver updates from manufacturers yourself. Revisit this setting later.
Keep Security in Mind
Hiding or pausing updates can leave your PC without important security fixes. Only block specific updates you know cause problems, and check periodically for newer versions that fix the issue.
Troubleshooting
The update reinstalled anyway
Microsoft may release a newer version with a different KB number. Hide the new version or pause updates.
The update does not appear in the tool
The tool only lists updates that Windows Update currently offers. Uninstall the update first, then run the tool.
Related: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently stop all Windows 11 updates?
Not in a supported way for home users, and it is not recommended because of security risks.
Does pausing updates stop Microsoft Defender updates?
Security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender generally continue, but check Windows Security to confirm protection is current.
How do I find the KB number?
Look in Update history, where each update is listed with its KB number.
Summary
- Uninstall the problem update from Update history.
- Use Microsoft's Show or hide updates tool to hide it.
- Use Pause updates for a temporary break.
- Use Group Policy to stop driver updates on Pro editions.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.