How to configure active hours on Windows 11
You can avoid sudden Windows 11 reboots to apply updates. Here’s how.
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OnWindows 11, “active hours” is a feature that helps to minimize the chances of sudden reboots to apply system updates. The feature works by tracking and figuring out when you are actively using the computer and scheduling reboots when the computer is not in use.
The caveat is that “active hours” are not flawless, and the device can still reboot unexpectedly. If this already happened to you, or you want to avoid unexpected reboots, Windows 11 includes an option to set the active hours time range manually.
In thishow-to guide, we will walk you through the steps to configure active hours to avoid sudden restarts as you are actively using your device.
How to configure Windows 11 active hours from Settings
To change the active hours settings manually on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, when an update is pending for installation, Windows 11 won’t reboot the system during the start and end time range specified in the feature.
If you want to revert the changes to allow the system to determine when your computer should restart, use the instructions mentioned above, but in step 5, select the"Automatic"option.
How to configure Windows 11 active hours from Group Policy
To change the active hours settings through Group Policy, use these steps:
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After you complete the steps, active hours will use the specified time range, and users won’t be able to modify the configuration through the Settings app until you undo the policy.
If you want to undo the changes, you can use the instructions outlined above, but inStep 5, select the"Not configured"option.
Although you can still adjust the active hour settings, disabling the features is no longer possible as it was on Windows 10.
How to reschedule Windows 11 automatic restart using Settings
To schedule a restart to finish applying an update, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer won’t reboot until you specify the schedule in the settings.
How to configure Windows 11 automatic restart deadline from Group Policy
Alternatively, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to specify a new default schedule that the computer may use to apply new updates automatically. The only caveat is that you need to consider that configuring this option may restart the device during active hours.
To change the deadline to restart the device to apply updates through Group Policy, use these steps:
After completing the steps, the computer will reboot automatically on the specified schedule.
If you change your mind, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but inStep 5, select the"Not Configured"option.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
