Windows 11 monthly updates
What to expect
This guide explains how your Windows 11 device receives monthly quality updates. These updates are managed by IT to keep your device secure and running smoothly.
What are monthly quality updates?
Each month, Microsoft releases quality updates for Windows 11. These include:
- Security fixes
- Bug fixes
- Performance improvements
These updates are important and are automatically delivered to your device.
When are updates installed?
Your device follows a simple schedule:
- Updates are released by Microsoft usually the second Tuesday
- Your device will begin to receive theses updates 9 days later
- Windows will then automatically download and install the update in the background
You don’t need to manually install updates, this happens automatically.
What happens on your device?
Windows uses its default smart update behaviour, which means:
- It tries to install updates at a convenient time
- It avoids interrupting you during active use where possible
- It uses Intelligent Active Hours to reduce disruption
- You’ll receive standard Windows notifications about updates and restarts
In simple terms: Windows works quietly in the background and tries not to get in your way.
Notifications
You will see normal Windows update notifications when:
- An update is ready to install
- A restart is required
Restart behaviour (Important)
Some updates require a restart to complete.
What to expect:
- Windows will automatically restart your device if needed
- It will try to do this outside of your active working hours
- You may be prompted to restart sooner if convenient
Deadline & auto-restart explained
To ensure devices stay secure, there are a few important rules:
- Once the update is installed, a restart maybe required as soon as possible
- If required, you have a 2-day grace period to restart your device
- During this time, you’ll receive reminders
If you don’t restart:
- Your device will automatically restart after the grace period
This ensures updates are fully applied and your device stays protected
Tip: It’s best to restart your device when prompted to avoid unexpected restarts later.
What you can’t do
- You can’t pause or stop updates
Updates are required to keep your device secure.
What you should do
- Save your work regularly
- Restart your device when prompted or as soon as possible.
- Leave your device on occasionally so updates can complete during none working hours.
Summary
- Updates install automatically each month
- Windows tries to minimise disruption
- You’ll get notifications when action is needed
- Restarting promptly helps avoid forced restarts
June update - What's new?
Changes to the Start menu view on W11 Staff devices
Microsoft has enabled a new default view for the Start menu. This changes the layout that you will see after the update is installed on university managed devices from 17 June.
Current experience
- The Start Menu displays a fixed list of pinned applications at the top.
- Users must select 'All' to view the complete list of installed applications.
- The application list is presented alphabetically and requires additional clicks to navigate.

New experience
- The Start Menu will open with both Pinned apps and the full application list visible in the same view.
- Applications will be automatically grouped into categories such as Productivity, Utilities & Tools, Creativity, and Entertainment.
- Users no longer need to select 'All' to browse installed applications.
- A View drop-down is available, allowing users to switch from the default Category view to other layouts, including a more traditional alphabetical application list that is similar to the current 'All Apps' experience.
- Recently used and recommended items will continue to appear in the Recommended section.
- There is no impact to installed applications, user files, desktop shortcuts, application functionality, or user settings. This is purely a change to how applications are displayed within the Start Menu.

