If you are a Windows user, you most likely have encountered your PC automatically restarting on you in the middle of working. Yes, updates for our computers are essential in keeping it running efficiently. When a restart happens without us knowing, though, it can be quite frustrating. Here’s how to set up a restart schedule for your Windows 10 computer.

With the current version of Windows, your PC automatically downloads updates and installs them when your PC detects that you are not using your computer for a period of time. This happens when your Windows Update has been set to “automatic” – it will work the same way as it has in the previous Windows by waiting until your PC is idle.

However, idle does not mean you allow your PC to be restarted. There may be instances when you just happen to leave your PC for a moment while working on a paper that is due hours from now. Next thing you know, your PC is automatically restarting! We do not want this to happen so Microsoft has given us the option to schedule a specific start time. With this, you now have a measure of control and it is time for you to be proactive with it! No more “Remind me later” pop-ups when you can customize your restarting schedules.

How to set up a restart schedule

  • Click on the Start menu and open the Settings option.
  • Select Update & Security > Windows Update. You will see two options wherein the first one is a schedule chosen by your computer. The other option is for you to select a specific restart time.

The first option shows a specific time your PC has chosen for you (e.g. 2:30 in the morning). If you want a specific time and date, click on Select a Restart Time and choose a Time and Day. For Time, tap on the box and hover over each part of the time (minutes, hours, and AM/PM) until you can choose your desired schedule. For the Day, you are given dates of the next few days for you to select which one you prefer most.

If you want updates to start immediately, you can choose the Restart Now option at the bottom of the page. Know that Windows schedules its own reboot first and you will have to override it through the Settings page to adjust it to your own schedule.

Go through those easy and simple steps and you no longer have to worry about your computer restarting whenever there is a need for you to leave it for a short period of time. It is also important for users to be notified when the system needs to reboot. You can control this option by following these steps:

  • Click on Advanced Options at the bottom part of the Windows Update page.
  • Go to the top of the screen and tap on Choose how updates are installed.
  • Click the drop down and select the option to Notify to schedule restart.

This way, you will no longer find the need to keep checking the Settings menu if updates have already been installed. You will now receive prompts whenever updates require a restart of your PC. If you happen to be a Windows Insider, you can set your active hours for 18 hours with an option to choose when the OS should finish its updates. You can also set additional notifications before your system restarts to give you more time to save your work.

Once done, you can return to the previous screen by hitting the back button on the upper left. Now you can be notified ahead of time before your computer starts to install updates and restart its system.

How important are updates and scheduling restarts?

Wondering why Microsoft added this feature? With the new system, Microsoft has evolved to the notion of “Windows as service.” This means that Windows is an on-going product with constant updates and patches. There will be new features every time which will depend on the needs of the users via the Windows Insider program.

It is a new way for Microsoft to develop and release software with a goal to continuously grow. Its aim is to adjust to what the world needs. Since updates have already become mandatory, Microsoft cares about how this could affect the users. Scheduling a restart can make it more convenient for them and could avoid interruptions during hours when they rely on the PC the most.

Microsoft has made it easier for users to work especially for individuals with different or shifting schedules. So if you are a person who works most at night, you can schedule your active hours during the day while you are away from your computer. Now you no longer have to worry about your PC installing updates in the middle of your working schedule!

Now that you know how to set up a restart schedule for your Windows 10 computer, check out our guide on how to reset your Windows 10 computer.