Windows 11 Backup image with pending updates!

rezpower · Feb 6, 2022

After a clean installation of windows + customizing + installation of my software I did a backup image with AOMEI to have that image and be able to get back to that exact point when needed. Everything is perfect and the image restores perfectly fine, except I didn't realize that windows update had downloaded 3 updates while I was working on my windows and they were already downloaded and ready for install. So when I restore the image and go to windows update I see 3 updated (with install pending status).

I need an advice on how to deal with this. Imagine I restore and want to use this image in 3 months! There have already been few newer updates released. Should I leave it as it is or can I somehow (Cancel/Remove) them, so windows will start searching for new updates instead of installing these old ones?

zbook · Feb 6, 2022

Windows 1607 can be upgraded to 21H2 without installing 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, etc.

There should not be problems with updates pending reboot.

Windows can find where it had stopped and start installing new updates as needed.

For additional control:

If you want to in the future you can set a target feature update:

Specify Target Feature Update Version in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to specify a TargetReleaseVersion version of Windows 11 you want to move to or stay on in Windows Update until it reaches end of service in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Windows Update keeps Windows 11 updated by automatically downloading and...

www.elevenforum.com

The internet can be disconnected.

Applications can be installed onto USB flash drives and moved to the applicable computer as needed before an image is made.

Sir_George · Feb 6, 2022

rezpower said:
After a clean installation of windows + customizing + installation of my software I did a backup image with AOMEI to have that image and be able to get back to that exact point when needed. Everything is perfect and the image restores perfectly fine, except I didn't realize that windows update had downloaded 3 updates while I was working on my windows and they were already downloaded and ready for install. So when I restore the image and go to windows update I see 3 updated (with install pending status).

I need an advice on how to deal with this. Imagine I restore and want to use this image in 3 months! There have already been few newer updates released. Should I leave it as it is or can I somehow (Cancel/Remove) them, so windows will start searching for new updates instead of installing these old ones?

When using Windows Updates, any previous updates that were not installed will be included. So you can ignore the downloads pending because they will be included in the next update.

cereberus · Feb 7, 2022

What is probably more significant is you should make much more regular image updates. This will more or less eliminate updates issues.

Most imaging regulars here make an image backup say once a week. it is up to you how far back you keep backups I usually keep the last 2 or 3. Others will keep more.