Issue Description
Uncontrolled Windows updates can disrupt work, break applications, or restart systems during business hours.
Common Causes
- Automatic update restarts
- No centralized update policy
- Feature updates applied too quickly
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Set Active Hours
- Open Settings → Windows Update
- Click Advanced options
- Set Active hours to business hours
Step 2: Pause Updates Temporarily
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Pause updates
- Choose a pause duration (up to 5 weeks)
Step 3: Use Group Policy (Pro Editions)
- Press Windows + R → gpedit.msc
- Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update
- Configure:
- Configure Automatic Updates
- No auto-restart with logged on users
Step 4: Schedule Feature Updates
- In Advanced options, delay feature updates by weeks/months
Explore Further
- Use Windows Update for Business
- Test updates on one PC before rollout
Prevention & Best Practices
Apply updates outside business hours and maintain backups.