Any support requests regarding altering the restart period or times will be automatically closed with reference to this article. Please read carefully.

Applies to

• Company-managed Windows devices
• All users

Quick Answer

Your computer usually needs to restart to install updates that keep it secure and running properly.

Restarting when prompted helps prevent issues and keeps everything up to date.

What's Happening

From time to time, your computers installs updates that fix bugs and issues, improves performance, and keeps your system secure. Some of these updates require a restart to finish installing.

When Should I Restart?

You should restart your computer when it is convenient for you.

By default:

• Your computer will wait up to 7 days before forcing a restart
• It will try to pick a time when you're not using it

How to Check Your Scheduled Restart

You can see when your computer plans to restart:

1. Click the Start Menu
2. Open Settings
3. Click Windows Update
4. Look for the scheduled restart time

Important to Note

Even though your computer may delay the restart, you should not wait until the last day. If your computer can't find a good time, it may choose one automatically. Once scheduled, the restart cannot always be delayed.

Schedule a Restart at a Better Time

You can choose a restart time that works better for you

1. Click the Start Menu
2. Open Settings
3. Click Windows Update
4. Click the dropdown next to Restart now
5. Select Schedule restart
6. Choose your preferred date and time
7. Click Confirm

Contact IT if:

• Your computer keeps asking you to restart repeatedly
• Updates fail to install
• Your device restarts unexpectedly during work