Three tips on how to avoid being interrupted by Windows Updates

Windows is one of the most used operating systems in the world. Naturally, it attracts hackers and other criminals. Microsoft is fantastic at protecting its one billion Windows 10 and 11 users from these criminals through the use of Windows updates that plug security holes found within the software. These updates protect you and your data. 

Updates Catch 22 Problem

Windows updates do suffer from the following Catch 22 paradox; updates can only install when your computer is switched on. Unless you prevent your computer from going to sleep or don’t leave it turned on overnight, these updates will most likely install while you are using the computer as you have not given it any other time to install these updates. 

Restart your computer!

When we look through the estate of devices we manage, we can easily see that some users rarely restart their computer, which lets their device fall behind on updates and at some point, it will get restarted without their input. 

When a computer has fallen behind, there are more updates to install, which will take more time. So, restart your computer at least twice a week. Therefore, any pending updates can be installed at a time you choose rather than the computer deciding to restart during a video call.

Set "Active Hours" in Windows

In the settings of Windows 10 and Windows 11 you can let the system know the hours you will most likely be working, which will help reduce the chances of an update getting installed during this time frame. However, it can and may ignore these active hours and install if it is a critical update. 

Leave your computer on overnight

Leaving your computer turned on is not an eco-friendly option (and not something we recommend). Still, as mentioned before, a computer needs to be turned on for updates to install, and if you don’t want them getting installed when you are using your computer - your only option is to leave your machine on overnight so the updates can install while you’re asleep.

One more thing…

Sometimes, updates will install at a bad time. IT can’t prevent it once the process has begun. Most updates will take a few minutes to install. If you’d like to totally eliminate being interrupted by updates, you should look at getting a Chromebook - where you’ll never experience another update interrupting your workflow again! Book a video call below to find out more.