Windows 10: Will setting Active Hours allow me to schedule a restart for 1903?

Hi, all.

Tired of going round in circles with Microsoft Support on Twitter, so thought I'd ask here. My mother's laptop has been downloading the 1903 update, but I want to have control over when it installs. I can't set Active Hours, as she doesn't have a typical usage pattern. Is there any way that I can tell Windows when to install the update, so that she doesn't get interrupted?

Thanks,



:)

 

Windows update and restart during active hours

Hi susanahlburg,

There will be situations when Windows Update can override the set active hours due to a bug. As a workaround, I suggest that you set your connection as metered to control when updates are installed.

To set a Wi-Fi network connection as metered:

• Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet >
  Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
• Select the Wi-Fi network > Properties > turn on Set as metered connection.

In addition, if you are experienced in modifying group policies and registry keys, you can configure a forced restart after a specified installation time, and then turn off auto-restart for updates during active hours. Should you choose to proceed with modifying
group policies and registry keys, I suggest that you seek assistance from an IT professional or technician to avoid further issues with the system. Here is an
article on how to manage device restarts after updates. Refer to
Schedule update installation and Delay automatic reboot.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Suggestion: More Flexible Active Hours

Just a suggestion: Please allow us to set more flexible active hours.

Today I was notified that I had an update pending that required a restart. I was also notified that it would be done during inactive hours, which were set to whatever the default was. As I really don't want my computer to restart when I need it (particularly
while teaching a class which requires the use of my computer or grading assignments in the evening - the last update installed a few days ago cost me about 3 hours of productivity. If it hadn't been a weekend, it would have had seriously disastrous affect
on my day).

But upon trying to assign active hours that work with my schedule, I'm notified that the active hours must be between 1 hour and 12 hour period. Frankly, this is unnecessary and just feels like Microsoft trying to tell me when I'm allowed to use my own computer.
I work too much. I know that already. But trying to box me into this window is unhelpful and potentially destructive.

Microsoft has no authority over my work schedule - please do not presume to. Allow users to set active hours that meet our schedules, not yours.

 

Notify to schedule restart

The restart options changed quite a lot from 1511 to 1607, apparently due to customer feedback according to MS. "Notify to schedule restart" was replaced with "Active Hours" an (up to) 12-hour window in which a restart will not be allowed. When an update needs a restart you can use "Restart options" to choose a time and day for the restart. This option is greyed-out until a restart is needed. More details on the changes in this thread:

Win update “Notify to schedule restart" missing after recent update?

My preferred technique is to set a 'Metered connection'. That way the automatic check for updates still takes place and notifies me that an update is available, but I can download the update at a time of my own choosing, then restart immediately.