How to Show or Hide Updates in Windows 11/10: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Windows updates can sometimes cause problems. A driver update breaks your audio. A patch crashes your software. You need to stop a specific update from installing again. That is exactly what the Show or Hide Updates tool is for.

This guide covers everything you need to know about using it, why it exists, when to use it, and how to get real results.

What Is the Show or Hide Updates Tool?

The Show or Hide Updates tool is an official Microsoft troubleshooter. It lets you block specific Windows updates from installing on your PC. You can also use it to unhide updates you previously blocked.

Microsoft does not include this tool inside Windows Settings by default. You have to download it manually. The file name is wushowhide.diagcab and it runs as a standalone troubleshooter, no installation needed.

It works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Why Would You Need to Hide an Update?

Most updates are fine. But some create real problems:

• A driver update breaks your printer, audio card, or GPU
• A cumulative update conflicts with business software
• A feature update changes settings you rely on
• An optional update keeps reinstalling something you do not want
• You are testing a stable environment and need to freeze updates temporarily

Hiding an update tells Windows: skip this one. Windows will not install it automatically. Your system stays stable. You stay in control.

How to Download the Show or Hide Updates Tool

You need to get the file from Microsoft directly.

Step 1: Open your browser and go to the official Microsoft support page

Step 2: Look for the download link labeled wushowhide.diagcab

Step 3: Click download and save the file anywhere on your PC, like your Desktop or Downloads folder

Step 4: Double-click the file to run it. No installation needed.

That is it. The tool opens as a wizard and walks you through the rest.

How to Hide (Block) a Specific Windows Update

Once you open wushowhide.diagcab, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Launch the tool Double-click the downloaded file. A troubleshooter window opens. Click Next to begin.

Step 2: Choose Hide Updates You will see two options:

• Hide updates
• Show hidden updates

Click Hide updates.

Step 3: Wait for the scan The tool scans your system for available and pending updates. This takes 15 to 60 seconds depending on your system.

Step 4: Select the update you want to block A list appears showing updates that can be hidden. Check the box next to the update you want to block. You can select more than one if needed.

Step 5: Apply and finish Click Next. The tool marks the selected updates as hidden. Windows Update will now skip them.

Click Close when done.

The blocked update will not install automatically anymore. Even if you run Windows Update, it will not touch that update.

How to Show (Unhide) a Hidden Update

If you blocked an update before and now want to allow it back, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the same wushowhide.diagcab file again

Step 2: Click Next on the welcome screen

Step 3: Choose Show hidden updates this time

Step 4: The tool shows a list of all currently hidden updates

Step 5: Check the update you want to restore

Step 6: Click Next, then Close

The update is now unhidden. It will install the next time Windows Update runs, or you can trigger it manually through Settings.

Understanding the Update List: What Do the Names Mean?

When the tool shows you a list of updates, the names can look confusing. Here is a quick breakdown:

Update Type	Example Name	What It Does
Cumulative Update	2026-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 11	Bundles security patches and bug fixes
Driver Update	Intel(R) Display Audio Driver	Updates hardware drivers
Feature Update	Windows 11, version 24H2	Major OS upgrade
Definition Update	Windows Defender Antivirus definitions	Updates virus definitions
Optional Update	Realtek Audio Driver	Non-critical software or driver

Tip: Never hide definition updates for Windows Defender. Those keep your antivirus current. Only hide driver or feature updates you know are causing a problem.

How to Identify Which Update Is Causing a Problem

Before hiding anything, you need to know which update broke something.

Check Windows Update History

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Update history
4. Look at the recent installs and note the date your problem started
5. Match that date to an update in the list

Use the KB Number

Every Windows update has a unique ID called a KB number (Knowledge Base number). For example: KB5034441. This number appears in the update history and in the wushowhide tool list. Use this number to identify exactly what you are hiding.

You can search the KB number on Microsoft Update Catalog to read exactly what that update does before deciding to block it.

Rollback the Update First

If an update just installed and broke something, roll it back first:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history
2. Click Uninstall updates
3. Find the problematic update and click Uninstall
4. Restart your PC

After rolling back, then use the hide tool to prevent it from reinstalling automatically.

Hiding Driver Updates Specifically

Driver updates cause the most problems for regular users. Windows sometimes pushes generic drivers that override better ones from your manufacturer.

How to Stop Windows from Updating a Specific Driver

Method 1: Use wushowhide.diagcab This is the cleanest method. Run the tool, look for the driver update by name, and hide it.

Method 2: Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager
2. Right-click the device (e.g., your audio card)
3. Click Properties
4. Go to the Driver tab
5. Click Roll Back Driver if available

Method 3: Group Policy (Windows Pro and Enterprise)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
3. Find the policy: Do not include drivers with Windows Updates
4. Set it to Enabled

This blocks all driver updates via Windows Update, not just one. Use this only if you manage your own drivers manually.

Common Mistakes People Make

Hiding Security Patches

This is risky. Security patches fix real vulnerabilities. Hiding them leaves your PC exposed. Only hide security updates if you have a specific, confirmed reason. And re-enable them as soon as possible.

Hiding Everything

Some users hide all updates to avoid change. This leads to a very outdated system. Use the tool with precision. Target only the updates causing your problem.

Forgetting What You Hid

The tool does not send you reminders. Keep a note of what you hid and why. Revisit hidden updates every few weeks to see if Microsoft has released a fixed version.

Not Updating After a Fix Is Released

Microsoft sometimes pushes a broken update, gets feedback, and fixes it in the next version. When a new version of a previously problematic update comes out, unhide the old one (or just let the new one install naturally, since it carries a different KB number).

Alternatives to the Show or Hide Updates Tool

Sometimes you do not need to hide an update. You just need a different approach.

Pause Updates (Built-in Windows Feature)

Windows 10 and 11 let you pause all updates for up to 5 weeks.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Pause updates
4. Choose the duration

This is useful when you are in the middle of an important project and want zero interruptions.

Metered Connection Trick

If you set your internet connection as metered, Windows will not download large updates automatically.

1. Go to Settings > Network and Internet
2. Click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
3. Enable Metered connection

This does not hide updates. It just delays them. Windows may still download them over time.

Third-Party Tools

Tools like WuMgr (Windows Update Manager) give more granular control. They are not from Microsoft, so use them at your own risk on personal machines. Do not use them in business environments without IT approval.

Does Hiding Updates Affect Windows Security?

It depends entirely on what you hide.

Update Type	Risk if Hidden
Security patches	High. Leaves known vulnerabilities open
Driver updates	Low to medium. May cause hardware issues
Feature updates	Low. Delays new features, not critical
Optional updates	Very low. These are non-critical by design
Definition updates	High. Weakens antivirus protection

Bottom line: Use this tool for driver and feature updates. Avoid hiding security updates unless you know exactly what you are doing and have another form of protection in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wushowhide.diagcab tool still supported in 2026?

Yes. Microsoft continues to maintain and support it as of 2026. It works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can still download it directly from the official Microsoft support page. It remains the recommended way to block specific updates.

Can I hide a Windows 11 feature update using this tool?

Yes. Feature updates like the annual version upgrades appear in the list when they are pending. You can hide them to stay on your current version. This is useful if you want to wait and see if the new version is stable before upgrading.

What happens if I hide an update and a newer version of that update comes out?

The new version carries a different KB number. Windows Update treats it as a completely different update. It will install normally unless you hide the new version too. Always check your update history after major patch cycles.

Will hidden updates stay hidden after a Windows reinstall?

No. The hide settings are stored locally. If you reset or reinstall Windows, all hidden updates are cleared. You will need to run the tool again to re-hide them after a fresh install.

Can I use this tool on Windows Server?

The wushowhide.diagcab file is designed for Windows consumer editions. For Windows Server environments, use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Group Policy to manage update deployment. Those tools offer enterprise-level control.

Conclusion

The Show or Hide Updates tool is small, free, and powerful. It gives you real control over what installs on your system. Whether a driver update broke your hardware or a cumulative update is conflicting with your work software, this tool helps you stop the problem from repeating.

Download wushowhide.diagcab, run it, hide the update causing trouble, and move on. When a fix arrives, unhide it. That cycle keeps your system stable and up to date at the same time.

Use it with purpose. Know what you are hiding. Keep an eye on security patches and never block those unless you have no choice. The tool works best as a targeted fix, not a permanent gate.