How to Schedule When Windows 10 Updates Restart Your PC

Scheduling when Windows 10 updates restart your PC can help minimize disruptions to your workflow. Here are several methods to manage and schedule restarts after updates:

Method 1: Schedule Restart via Windows Update Settings

1. Open Windows Update Settings:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click on Update & Security > Windows Update.

1. Access Restart Options:

• If a restart is required, you will see a Restart required message. Click on Schedule the restart.

1. Set Restart Time:

• Toggle on Schedule a time and set the desired restart time. Ensure your PC is on during this time.

1. Confirm and Exit:

• Close the Settings window to apply the changes. Your PC will restart at the scheduled time.

Method 2: Change Active Hours to Avoid Automatic Restarts

1. Open Settings:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click on Update & Security > Windows Update.

1. Change Active Hours:

• Click on Change active hours and set the hours during which you are typically using your device. Windows will try to avoid restarting during these times.

Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education)

1. Open Group Policy Editor:

• Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

1. Navigate to Windows Update Policies:

• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.

1. Edit Policy:

• Double-click No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations.
• Select Enabled and click Apply > OK.

Method 4: Use Registry Editor (Windows 10 Home Editions)

1. Open Registry Editor:

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

1. Navigate to Update Settings:

• Go to the following path:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem
• Create or modify a DWORD value named AutoRestart and set its value to 0.

Method 5: Schedule Restart Using Task Scheduler

1. Open Task Scheduler:

• Search for Task Scheduler in the Start menu and open it.

1. Create a Basic Task:

• Click on Create Basic Task in the right-hand Actions panel.

1. Set Task Trigger:

• Choose when you want the task to start (e.g., daily, weekly) and set the time.

1. Choose the Action:

• Select Start a program as the action.

1. Enter Program Details:

• Input shutdown as the program/script and /r /f as the arguments.

1. Complete Setup:

• Click Next and finish the setup. Your PC will now restart at the scheduled time.

Conclusion

Scheduling restarts after Windows 10 updates can help you avoid interruptions during critical tasks. By using the built-in Windows Update settings, Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, or Task Scheduler, you can manage when your PC restarts. Choose the method that best fits your needs and system configuration.