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Should I Install the Pending Windows Security Updates or Keep Trying to Delay Them?

September 10, 2026 3 answers
Asked by MellowCactus47
After being away from my laptop for the day, I noticed a red indicator on the update icon in the taskbar. Windows says the device is out of date and needs to restart to install updates. In Settings, updates KB5126052 and 26200.9445 are both marked "Pending restart," so I can't pause updates anymore. I'm worried that installing them could cause serious problems, such as a BitLocker recovery screen or broken AMD graphics drivers, since I rely on this laptop for college and personal work. Is there a safe way to postpone these updates, or should I restart and install them?
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Answers

OrbitingPanda6
Online reports can make update failures seem much more common than they are, because people with successful installations generally do not post about them. I manage updates on many Windows computers and serious issues are uncommon. Back up your files first, and if BitLocker is enabled, save the recovery key somewhere you can access without the laptop. Staying unpatched indefinitely is generally a bigger risk than installing a routine security update.

MellowCactus47: That makes sense. I’ve already created a restore point, and I’m going to make another backup before restarting.

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CopperLantern8
The safest approach is usually to install the updates rather than leave security vulnerabilities unpatched. Before restarting, create a restore point and make sure important files are backed up. A restore point can help with some software or driver problems, although it is not a substitute for a proper backup.
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QuietMarble21
Make sure your important data is backed up and record your BitLocker recovery key before updating. If BitLocker asks for the key afterward, you may be able to retrieve it from your Microsoft account’s device recovery-key page, or from an organization’s account if the laptop is managed by a school or employer. Keep the key somewhere other than only on the laptop.

MellowCactus47: My important files are already copied to a USB drive, and I’ve made a restore point. I’ll also locate and save the BitLocker recovery key before installing the updates.

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