Schedule Restarts for Windows 10 Updates - A How-To Guide
Scheduling Windows 10 Updates for a Convenient Reboot
Interruptions during important work can be frustrating. If Windows decides to update and reboot while you're in the middle of a task, it can disrupt your workflow. Fortunately, Windows 10 previously offered a method to postpone these reboots and designate a more suitable time.
Update: Please note that this functionality was removed with the Anniversary Update. The Active Hours feature now serves as the closest alternative for managing update-related restarts within Windows 10.
How to Schedule a Restart (Prior to Anniversary Update)
Windows 10 once allowed users to define a specific time for system reboots following update installations. This ensured updates were completed without causing immediate disruption.
To access this feature, begin by clicking the Start menu icon and then selecting “Settings”.
Within the “Settings” window, navigate to and click on “Update & Security”.
The “Windows Update” screen will appear by default. If updates are available, the system will initiate their download and preparation for installation. Select the “Advanced options” link to proceed.
The update process will continue in the background while you navigate away from the main “Windows Update” screen.
On the “Advanced Options” screen, use the drop-down menu at the top to choose “Notify to schedule restart”.
Return to the “Windows Update” screen by clicking the left arrow button located in the upper-left corner.
A notification will then appear, informing you that a restart has been scheduled. You will be presented with options to customize the restart time.
A suggested restart time will be offered to complete the update installation. To manually set a different time and date, choose the “Select a restart time” option.
Specify your desired “Time” and “Day”. To adjust the time, click the time box and scroll through the hour, minute, and AM/PM options until your preference is selected.
Alternatively, a “Restart Now” link is available if you wish to immediately restart your machine and finalize the updates.
This method provided greater control over when updates were applied, minimizing interruptions and maximizing productivity.
