Why does my computer force me to reboot during the day?

In some cases, Windows will require you to reboot during the day in order to install updates. There are a few reasons that IT pushes out security updates to your computer. The most important is that we want to make sure your computers and more importantly your files and documents are as safe and secure as we can make them. One of the best ways to ensure this is to keep all the computers on campus updated with the latest updates. The University of Maine System also has security policies that we are all required to follow. There are some simple things you can do to minimize the chance that you will have to update during your working hours, which are described below. However, if the updates have not been installed by the deadline (usually a week after it is required and 2 weeks after the first notification that it is needed), Windows Update will force you to install and reboot the next time you log in after the deadline has passed.

Instructions 

  1. Configure Business Hours
    • In Software Center -->  Options Tab, in the work information section near the top, fill in the fields for your business hours and check the boxes below for the days that you work.
  2. Configure Maintenance Window
    • In Software Center -->  Options Tab at the bottom, there is an option under "Computer Maintenance" to automatically install all updates outside your business hours.
    • Checking this box will cause the updates to install at the end of your next business day as defined by your business hours.
    • An automatic restart will happen when the updates are done installing.
  3. After receiving a notice in the bottom right of your Desktop that "Software changes are required" "Your IT department requires changes to the software on your computer":
    1. Click on the notice
    2. Select the radial to "Apply all required changes outside my business hours" 
    3. Check the box to "Restart my computer automatically if needed"
    4. Click OK
    5. Remember to log out and leave your computer on at the end of the day and your updates will install overnight.

NOTE: In order for Windows updates to be able to perform updates outside Business Hours or during Maintenance Windows you need to leave the computer on and be logged out.

Environment

  • University-managed Windows computers

 

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