Defer is a way to delay an action until later
When you see "defer" on your screen — usually in a popup or settings menu — it means you are choosing to postpone something rather than do it right now. The most common place you will see it is when your computer wants to install an update. Instead of restarting your machine immediately, you click "defer" to put off the restart until a time that works better for you.
The word itself comes from the verb "to defer," which means to put something off or delay it. In tech, it is a built-in escape hatch. Your device or software is saying: "I need to do this thing, but I am giving you the option to do it later instead of now."
Deferring is different from canceling or declining. When you defer, you are not refusing the action — you are just moving it to a different time. The system will ask you again, usually after a set number of days or the next time you restart.
Key Takeaways
- Defer means to delay an action to a later time, not to refuse it entirely.
- You will most often see defer buttons when your computer wants to install updates or restart.
- Deferring an update does not cancel it — the system will prompt you again after a few days or at the next restart.
- Deferring too many times can leave your device running outdated software with security gaps.
- Some systems let you defer for a set number of days, while others defer until the next scheduled restart.
Where you will see defer buttons
The most common place is Windows Update on a Windows computer. When Microsoft releases a new version of Windows or a security patch, your machine will notify you and ask if you want to install it now. If you click "defer," the installation waits — usually for a few days or until your next restart, depending on the update type.
macOS does the same thing. When Apple releases an update, you get a notification asking if you want to update now or later. Clicking "later" defers the update until you choose to install it yourself or until the system forces it after a certain period.
You may also see defer options in software installers, backup programs, and cloud storage apps like OneDrive or Google Drive. These programs sometimes want to sync files or update themselves, and they give you the choice to defer that action if you are in the middle of something important.
What happens when you defer an update
When you defer a Windows update, the system downloads it in the background and stores it on your computer. The update sits there waiting. After a few days — the exact number depends on the update type — Windows will ask you again. You can defer again, but eventually the system will force the installation, usually at a time when it thinks you are not using the computer.
For major Windows updates, Microsoft typically gives you a grace period of several days before forcing installation. For smaller security patches, the deferral window is shorter. If you keep deferring, you will eventually see a message saying the update will install at a specific time, and you will not be able to defer any longer.
On a Mac, deferring an update simply delays the installation. The update remains available in System Settings, and you can install it whenever you choose. Unlike Windows, macOS does not force installation after a set period — though Apple will keep reminding you.
Why you might want to defer an update
The most common reason is timing. If you are in the middle of important work, an update that requires a restart is disruptive. Deferring lets you finish what you are doing and restart on your own schedule, perhaps late at night or over a weekend.
Some people defer updates because they worry about compatibility. A new update might cause problems with software they rely on, or they want to wait and see if other users report issues before installing. This is a reasonable caution, though staying on very old software for too long creates security risks.
You might also defer if you are traveling or working on a slow internet connection. Large updates can take a long time to download and install, and deferring gives you a chance to do it when you have better conditions.
The risk of deferring too long
Deferring updates is fine for a few days, but putting them off for weeks or months leaves your device vulnerable. Security updates patch holes that hackers know about and actively exploit. The longer you wait, the longer your computer is exposed to those threats.
Outdated software also becomes less stable over time. You may experience crashes, compatibility problems with new software, or features that stop working. Websites and services sometimes drop support for old versions of operating systems, which can lock you out of things you need.
If you find yourself constantly deferring updates, consider setting a specific day each week or month when you plan to install them. This gives you control over the timing while keeping your device current.
How to defer an update when you see the prompt
When an update notification appears on your screen, look for a button or link that says "defer," "remind me later," "not now," or "install later." The exact wording varies by system and software. Click that button, and the notification will close. The system will ask you again after a set period.
On Windows, if you see a blue notification saying "Update available," you can click the X button to close it temporarily, but this is not the same as deferring — the notification will return. Look instead for a "defer" or "snooze" option in the notification itself, or go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to see deferral options there.
On a Mac, when you see an update notification, click "Remind me later" to defer it. The system will ask again in a few days. You can also go to System Settings > General > Software Update and choose not to install right away.
Defer versus other options
When an update prompt appears, you usually have three choices: install now, defer, or in some cases, decline or skip. Installing now means the update happens immediately, often with a restart. Deferring delays it. Declining or skipping (when available) tells the system you do not want this particular update at all.
You should rarely decline security updates, as they fix known vulnerabilities. Deferring is the right choice when you need to delay for a few days. Installing now is the safest option if you have time, because it keeps your device current and reduces your exposure to security risks.
Some systems also offer a "snooze" option, which is similar to defer but usually for a shorter period — perhaps a few hours instead of days. Snooze is useful if you are about to start an important task and want to be left alone until it is finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I defer an update, will my computer remind me again?
Yes. After the deferral period ends — usually a few days for Windows — your system will notify you again. You can defer again if you need to, but eventually the system will force the installation. On a Mac, you will keep seeing reminders until you install the update yourself.
Can I defer an update forever?
No. Windows will eventually force installation after you have deferred multiple times. On a Mac, you can technically defer indefinitely, but Apple will continue to remind you, and staying on very old software creates security and compatibility problems.
What is the difference between defer and snooze?
Defer typically delays an action for several days, while snooze delays it for a few hours. Snooze is useful when you need a short break from notifications. Both will prompt you again after the time period ends.
Is it safe to defer security updates?
It is safe to defer for a few days if you need to, but do not put off security updates for weeks. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. The longer you wait, the longer your device is at risk.
Why does my computer keep asking about an update I deferred?
That is how deferral works — the system is designed to ask you again after the deferral period ends. If you want to stop seeing the notification, you will need to either install the update or adjust your update settings in your system preferences.