How to prevent Windows 10 from automatically restarting

The advantage of Windows 10 is that there are always updates and bug fixes. However, at times when you are still in the middle of a job without saving, playing a game, and the computer automatically restarts, it will be very frustrating. Although Windows does not have the option to turn off updates completely, it still gives you the update timer feature to not interrupt your work.

Starting with the Windows 1903 update, there are two ways to change active hours. One is that you make manual changes, and the other allows Windows to automatically recognize the times you work. 

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To enable Windows to automatically detect working hours, go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, and then select  Change active hours .

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After the Change active hours window appears, turn on  Automatically adjust active hours for this device based on activity  . Then, Windows will start analyzing the times you use the computer and avoid automatically restarting during that time.

If you do not trust Windows, you can manually adjust it as follows:

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First, you also open the Change active hours window   as the way for Windows to automatically. Instead of turning on the automatic feature, select the word  Change  immediately below.

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Next you choose the time frame you need to use the machine and click  Save . Windows will not automatically restart within the time you choose. 

* Note: you can only set up to 18 hours. If you install more, Windows will ask you to select the time.

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In addition, you can schedule a specific date and time for Windows to automatically update without affecting your work. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, then select  Schedule the restart .

* Note: this option only appears when your device has downloaded the update and is ready to install it.

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Then, Schedule a time  window  appears, select  On  as shown and then set the time and date you want Windows to update yourself.

Currently there is no way to turn off Windows updates completely, but you can still pause updates for up to 35 days. When the 35 days are up, you need to update Windows to the latest version (if available) before you can continue to pause.

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To pause updating, open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, and then select  Advanced options .

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Next, scroll down to the  Pause updates section,  then select the date you want to pause by selecting  Select date .

Marvin Fry

Update 11 May 2020