Windows 11 Can Show How Long an Update Will Take to Install

One of the most annoying parts of a Windows update is not knowing whether a restart will take two minutes or twenty. Newer Windows 11 versions can make that decision a little easier by showing an estimated installation time for some updates.

When an estimate is available, Windows can display it in places such as the Windows Update settings page and around restart controls.

Where to look

Open Settings > Windows Update.

If Windows has an update waiting for a restart and an estimate is available, look for information about the expected restart or installation time near the update status.

You may also see an estimate when using the power menu to restart for an update.

Not every update will necessarily show the same information. The estimate depends on the update and the Windows version installed on the PC.

An estimate is not a guarantee

Treat the displayed time as planning information, not a stopwatch. Installation time can vary with the computer's hardware, available storage, update state and other conditions.

If you are about to join a meeting, leave for work or shut down a laptop before a trip, give Windows more time than the estimate suggests.

Save your work anyway

Even when Windows predicts a short restart, save documents and close anything important before restarting. An estimate reduces uncertainty; it does not remove the basic precautions that apply to any operating-system update.

This is a small Windows feature, but it solves a real everyday problem: helping you decide whether now is a convenient time to finish an update.

Sources and Further Reading

Microsoft — Windows Update FAQ: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq