Set Windows Active Hours and Understand Their Limits
Active hours reduce the chance that an update restart interrupts your usual PC schedule. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so this setting cannot restore security updates.
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Set active hours
In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours and choose automatic adjustment or set the period manually. In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours, then choose automatic adjustment or set start and end times. Labels and available choices can vary by version and management policy.
Plan and verify the restart
Active hours identify when you prefer an automatic restart after updates not to occur. They do not permanently stop update downloads or installation, and other policies or restart deadlines may apply. Reopen Windows Update to check whether a restart is required or scheduled, save open work, and choose a time when you will not need the PC.
Separate restart timing from Windows 10 support
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes are no longer provided under normal support. Active hours only adjust restart timing; they do not provide new security fixes. Check whether your device is on a supported operating system or qualifies for a separate extended-support arrangement.
Check
Do the selected hours match when you use the PC? Does Windows Update show a restart pending? If this is Windows 10, have you checked support status separately? On a managed work device, ask the administrator instead of bypassing policy.
Sources: Microsoft Support: Active hours · Microsoft Learn: Manage device restarts after updates