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What’s the Easiest Way to Stop Unwanted Windows 11 Updates From Ruining Your Day?
Windows 11 sometimes restarts to finish updates. These restarts can happen when you are busy, which is frustrating. There is a way to stop this. Windows 11 has a tool called “active hours.” This tells your computer when you use it most. If you set active hours, Windows tries not to restart during those times.
What Are Active Hours?
Active hours are the hours you use your computer. Windows watches when you use your device. It tries not to restart for updates when you are working or playing. This helps you avoid losing your work or stopping your fun.
How to Set Active Hours Automatically
Let Windows do the work. It can watch when you use your device and set active hours for you. This way, you do not have to remember to change anything.
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
- Click on Settings.
- Click Windows Update on the left side.
- Click Advanced options.
- Find Active hours.
- Click the menu next to Active hours and choose Automatically.
Now, Windows will look at when you use your computer. It will set active hours by itself. If your schedule changes, Windows changes the hours, too. You do not need to do anything else.
How to Set Active Hours Manually
Sometimes, you know when you want to use your computer. Maybe you always work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can tell Windows these times.
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Find Active hours.
- Click the menu and choose Manually.
- Pick a start time and an end time.
Windows will not restart for updates during these hours. If you pick 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Windows will only restart outside those hours.
For IT Managers: Set Active Hours for Many Devices
If you take care of lots of computers at work, you can set active hours for all of them at once. Use Group Policy or Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools.
- Group Policy: Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Turn on “Turn off auto-restart for updates during active hours.” Set the start and end times.
- MDM (like Intune): Use settings called ActiveHoursStart and ActiveHoursEnd. You can also set how many hours active hours last.
This makes sure all computers follow the same rules. It helps everyone avoid surprise restarts.
Update Deadlines and Active Hours
Sometimes, updates must happen by a certain date. If your company sets a deadline, Windows will follow active hours until the deadline. After the deadline, Windows might restart at any time to finish the update. This keeps computers safe and up to date.
- Before the deadline: Windows waits for active hours to end before restarting.
- After the deadline: Windows restarts, even during active hours.
If you manage computers, check your update settings. Test on a few computers before changing all of them.
Why Use Automatic Active Hours?
Letting Windows set active hours means fewer surprises. You do not have to remember to change settings. Windows learns your habits. It helps you avoid restarts when you are busy. If you want more control, you can always set the hours yourself.
This keeps your work safe and your day smooth. No more lost files or sudden stops. Just simple, smart updates.