InControl

For your convenience, the Windows operating system is configured by default to install Windows updates on its own and prompt you to restart the PC, if needed. Keeping the system up-to-date is very important, as newly released patches and versions might include security-related fixes and patches. Moreover, you can enjoy the latest features of Windows as soon as they are released to the public.

Even knowing these benefits, you might sometimes feel like you don’t have enough control over your computer when it automatically installs updates and restarts to apply the changes. Pausing updates and deciding upon optional updates, active hours or preview builds can be done via the Windows Settings, but that might still not be enough for some. There is a solution for that and it goes by the name of InControl.

The InControl application is a lightweight software utility designed to provide more control over the updating and upgrading process in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Aiming to keep things as simple as possible, this utility does not require installation and is up and running as soon as you double-click on the main executable file.

The one-window interface includes more text than options, explaining what the control status is and what this application does. The initial status is displayed in red, letting you know that the operating system upgrades are not under your control. In other words, at this point Windows is able to install updates or upgrade itself without your permission.

Taking control over Windows updates and upgrade endeavors is a matter of pressing a button. You will notice that the status automatically changes.   InControl displays the current Windows version and release number in the two editable fields in the left side corner. Why are these important, you might ask. InControl takes over the updating and upgrading process by targeting a specific major version and release, exactly as they are specified in the editable fields.

To put it another way, when taking control please make sure that the major version and the feature release in the editable fields are the ones you want the system to preserve. No new release will be installed without your consent, apart from monthly security updates until you decide to release control.

While simple and pretty lightweight, InControl is an application that can help you get better control over the system’s upgrade and update operations. Please keep in mind that the application will stick to the Windows release in the editable fields even if it goes out of support, letting you decide when to install newly released versions.