Overview
When Microsoft Windows downloads and installs updates, most updates require a restart to finish installing. Rather than restarting immediately, you can schedule the restart for a time when you are not using your computer. This article explains how to schedule that restart on a Cornell-managed Windows computer.
You have 7 days from when updates become available to restart on your own schedule. If you do not restart before that deadline, Windows will restart your computer automatically to finish installing the updates.
Before You Begin
- Save any open work. A scheduled restart will close your applications when it runs.
- Leave your computer powered on (plugged in for laptops) at the scheduled time so the restart can complete.
Schedule a Restart from the Update Notification
As you approach the deadline, Windows displays a Windows Update notification near the Taskbar system tray (lower-right corner of your screen).
From that notification you can:
- Select Restart now to restart immediately.
- Select Pick a time to schedule the restart for later.
- Select Restart tonight to restart after hours.
Do not manually power off your computer while it is restarting to finish installing updates. In particular, do not do this while the computer is updating its firmware (BIOS). If the firmware update process is interrupted, it can render your computer inoperable.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
- Once updates are available, you have 7 days to install and restart on your own schedule.
- As the deadline nears, reminders about the pending restart will appear near the system tray.
- If you do not restart before the final 2-day deadline shown in the notification, Windows will automatically restart your computer to complete the updates.
[edited via Jane by kdf52 on 2026-08-13 15:01 UTC]