Windows 10 installs updates automatically to keep your system secure and running smoothly. However, you can control when your PC installs these updates to avoid interruptions during work or gaming.
Method 1: Set Active Hours
Active Hours let Windows know when you typically use your device so it avoids restarting during that time.
Steps:
-
Click Start > Settings (⚙️).
-
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
-
Click Change active hours.
-
Choose either:
-
Automatically adjust active hours (based on usage), or
-
Manually set hours:
-
Select your Start and End time (up to 18 hours total).
-
-
-
Click Save.
Method 2: Pause Updates Temporarily
You can pause updates for up to 35 days.
Steps:
-
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
-
Click Pause updates for 7 days.
-
Click again to add additional weeks (up to 5 times).
-
-
To pick a specific date:
-
Click Advanced options.
-
Under Pause updates, choose a date from the drop-down menu.
-
Method 3: Schedule Restart Time
If an update is pending restart, you can choose exactly when the reboot happens.
Steps:
-
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
-
If an update is pending, click Schedule the restart.
-
Turn on Schedule a time, then:
-
Choose a day and time for the restart.
-
-
Click Confirm.