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Why cant I set a period of time during the day for windows to download and install updates?!?!?!?!?!?!

Anonymous
2023-09-28T18:01:58+00:00

Why does Windows insist on keeping us from controlling the window of time when Windows should look to download and install updates? So I can schedule the downloads and updates to occur only between 2 a.m.-6 a.m. when I am SLEEPING. Not in the middle of the day when I need that bandwidth and processing for PERSONAL use. For me, it is the most frustrating aspect of Windows. It never fails when I see sudden spikes in lag, I open up settings and Windows is downloading an update. I do not want to skip updates! So pausing updates for a time period is a stupid option. Just allow me to set it so Windows only DOWNLOADS AND INSTALLS during specific time frames of the day that I SET!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-09-29T04:05:12+00:00

    Hi

    Welcome to Microsoft community.

    I understand your frustration, and you're not alone in wishing for more control over when Windows updates occur. While Windows 11 doesn't allow precise scheduling of updates, it does offer some options to manage this. Here are a few things you can do:

    1. Active Hours: You can set up to 18 hours of the day as "active hours" during which Windows will not automatically restart your computer to install updates. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.
    2. Metered Connection: If you set your internet connection as a metered one, some updates won't be downloaded automatically. Note that this might prevent important security updates from being installed and is generally not recommended unless necessary.
    3. Scheduled Restart: After an update has been downloaded, you can schedule a time for your computer to restart and complete the installation process.
    4. Group Policy Editor: If you have Windows 11 Pro or higher, you can use the Group Policy Editor for more control over how updates are downloaded and installed (including specifying a regular maintenance window). This option isn't available on Home editions of Windows 11 and should only be used if you're comfortable with advanced system settings.

    Please note that these solutions don't provide full control over when downloads occur but may help manage when installations happen or limit automatic downloads during peak usage times.

    Your feedback about wanting more control over update schedules is valid, and I recommend sharing it directly with Microsoft via Feedback Hub app. Microsoft attaches great importance to user experience, and the development team will regularly review submissions for ideas or fixes. 

    Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

    Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

    Best regards

    Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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