How to tame ASCII.jp Windows Update and restart it at a convenient time

When you hear about Windows updates, many people will think, "Is it restarting again?" The time it takes to restart and the PC cannot be used is "wasteful" time. Sometimes when I see the notification that the reboot will start, I think "I don't have to do anything now".

But once you understand the behavior and timing of Windows Update, you have the freedom to control the reboot and do whatever you want. Once you've tamed Windows Update in this way, the wasted time is osaraba. Here, I will explain how to control Windows Update and restart it at a convenient time. The target version of Windows 10 is the current latest version, 20H2 (November 2020 Update). This is because Windows Update changes with each version upgrade, and the newer the version, the more efficient it becomes, and there are differences in the setting method and so on.

If you really want to keep the past version, please read the settings as appropriate, but please note that the old version may not always be as explained here.

If you are using a PC, you may be notified of a sudden restart.However, if you set up Windows Update properly, you will not encounter such a surprise.

Best way to run Windows Update

First, let's start with the conclusion. With Windows Update, you can stop for 7 days (30 days for Home edition, otherwise) before installation, and restart can be restarted freely by the user for 7 days.

By taking advantage of this, you can freely control the restart time, and you will not be surprised at the sudden restart notification.

First, complete the Windows Update settings described below. By setting it, it will not be restarted without permission, and it will always be notified in advance.

Windows Update will be distributed in Japan around 4 am on the second Wednesday of every month. Check for updates this month using Settings> Updates & Security> Windows Update> Check for Updates this second Wednesday. Even if you do nothing, Windows Update will check for updates once a day.

The easiest way to reboot at a convenient time

The easiest way to do this is to aggressively reboot yourself. Start the installation as soon as you are notified of the update. Multiple updates may be distributed, so wait for all to finish. You don't have to keep an eye on anything, just leave the Windows Update page for settings open.

When the installation is complete, you will be notified to restart and a restart button will appear on the Windows Update page. Use this to reboot immediately. The monthly "cumulative update" and ".NET Framework cumulative update" updates will be restarted in a few minutes. This time, I measured that the two updates (KB4601382 and KB4601554) took 2 minutes and 58 seconds from shutdown to restart to show the lock screen.

At this level of time, unless you're very busy, you'll be able to manage. Also, before returning home or after work, you can select "Update and Shutdown" with the "Power" button on the Start menu. In this case, even if there is no user, it will handle it and turn off the power. At the company I worked for when I was a company employee, the last person to leave the company turned off the power of the entire floor. In such a case, it is recommended to select "Update and shut down".

Specify the restart date and time

Another way is to schedule the timing of the reboot. Use this if you don't want to reboot now after the installation is complete. In situations where a reboot is required after installation, a button called "Schedule Reboot" will appear on the Windows Update page ("Settings"-> "Updates and Security").

When you see the "Restart Now" button on the Windows Update page, there's a "Schedule Reboot" link next to it.With this, you can specify the restart date and time within a range of up to 7 days

Pressing this button opens the Restart Schedule page, where you can set the restart date and time.

The restart schedule page allows the user to specify a restart date and time by turning on the toggle switch.Select the time and date (7 days including the installation day)

Now turn the toggle switch "on" and select the time and date. You can change the schedule at any time before rebooting. The schedule is 7 days including the installation day. In terms of image, it will be like "restart within this week". Since the date and time are specified, it is possible to restart according to a clear schedule such as today's lunch break or tomorrow's outing.

Suspending Windows Update as a last resort

In addition, there may be situations where you definitely don't want Windows Update to be done this week, such as at the end of the term or during busy periods. In that case, suspend Windows Update. To do this, use Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Advanced Options → Pause Updates.

Windows Update can be suspended for up to 7 days in the Home edition.Other editions can be stopped for up to 35 days

However, the maximum is 7 days for the Home edition and 35 days for other editions, and once stopped, it cannot be stopped again until it is restarted and updated, so it is used as a "last resort". It would be better to do it. If you do it without thinking about the future schedule, you will have no choice but to update and restart when the deadline comes.

It's possible before you receive the update (more precisely, before 4am on the second Wednesday). Maybe there will be no updates distributed that week, but at least if you stop it, it won't install or reboot.

If you use these three methods, you shouldn't be surprised at the reboot. However, there is one thing you should never do with the Widnows Update. It is "installing and rebooting updates while battery-powered". The process of Windows Update is not that light. For this reason, if you install or restart when the CPU cannot operate at full speed due to power restrictions, the processing time will increase and the "offline" time zone when Windows cannot be used will become longer. Also, battery consumption is not small.

Don't press "Check for Updates" while you're on the go, let alone restart after installation. If you don't open the "Settings"-> "Update and Security"-> "Windows Update" page while you're on the go, you won't accidentally run it.

Which update requires a reboot in the first place?

There are several types of Windows Update, some of which do not require a reboot. Also, some updates that require a reboot may or may not take longer. If this can be determined, it will be possible to determine whether to restart now.

As a rough distinction, Windows Update includes "feature update", "quality update", "security update", "Defender definition file", "others", and "option".

Of these, the ones that are sure to restart are "Function update", "Windows cumulative update", ".NET Framework cumulative update", and "Hardware update". Other updates may require a reboot from time to time, and the Defender definition file will not reboot.

Of those that are restarted, those with "feature updates" are basically longer, but only twice a year at most. Currently, distribution to the general public will start in May and November, so you only have to be careful around this time. Cumulative updates of Windows and the .NET Framework will always restart, but only a few minutes at the longest. Except for the function update, all you have to do is stop running Windows and replace files such as executable files, so it will be completed in a short time. It is basically distributed by B Update.

Some hardware updates take about 10 minutes, such as a BIOS update. However, most hardware updates are optional updates that users choose to run, so it's easy to determine.

In addition, BIOS etc. are distributed only to PCs made by some manufacturers. Hardware updates are also installed with system update software provided by the manufacturer, so it is not always necessary to use Windows Update.

If multiple updates are delivered at the same time, you can restart it once by waiting until all the installations are completed.

Windows Update Timing

As mentioned earlier, Windows Update is available at a fixed time, starting at 10am on the second Tuesday of every month, US Pacific Time (but note that there is daylight savings time in the United States). ..

It's not Monday because it's a weekday to prepare for distribution, and 10am is during working hours when Microsoft employees are at work, so if something goes wrong, you can take immediate action. Because of consideration. This update is called "B Update" or "Patch Tuesday". Basically, the update will be distributed at this timing. Security-related updates will be distributed at the same time on this day.

In addition to this timing, there are weekly distribution timings such as 10:00 am (C Update) on the third Tuesday of the following week and 10:00 am (D Update) on the fourth Tuesday, but after C Update, the urgency is high. Often, an optional update or preview version will be provided.

Also, some Windows Updates have a setting called "Seeker Mode", which starts distribution when the user presses the "Check for Updates" button. It will be judged that you are actively looking for updates (seeker), but since it is a setting for each update, not all updates will be distributed with this.

In general, B Update alone will maintain the health of Windows 10, and even if the distribution itself is delayed a little, there will be no major problems other than security updates, so you only need to be careful with B Update. For the time being, it's a good idea to set the calendar application to announce the second Wednesday of every month.

For medium-sized updates (such as cumulative updates) and bi-annual feature updates that require a reboot, you'll see a user confirmation on the Windows Update page.

For updates that may take some time, you will be asked to confirm before you start the download.You can start downloading at your convenience

In this case, the download will not start unless you press the button. This makes it possible to control the timing of starting the installation.

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