Setting Windows 10 to install updates on a schedule

By default Windows 10 does not give you many options for installing updates.


Automatic will install updates and will schedule a restart on its own.

Notify will notify you (pretty straight forward huh?) to schedule a restart.

Defer upgrades will wait to install upgrades. This does not effect security but will prevent you from getting the latest features from Microsoft. Use this setting if prefer to wait until updates have been tested on more machines without incident before installing on your machine. This setting could increase compatibility.

To run updates via a schedule you will need to edit a setting within gpedit.msc. This is done by clicking the start button and typing in gpedit.msc like below

Once gpedit.msc opens you will be presented with a similar screen.

On the left hand panel, you need to click the > in front of Administrative templates under Computer Configuration (The > will point downwards after you click it).
From there you need to click the > in front of Windows Components. If done correctly, it will look like this.

Now scroll down until you find windows update, Click windows update and move to the right panel.

The setting we are looking for is Configure Automatic Updates and was highlighted in the last picture.
Double click Configure Automatic Updates, a window will pop up that allows you to change settings.

First we need to enable it. This is done by clicking the circle next to Enabled.

Since we want windows to only install updates on a specific day and time, we select option #4 Auto download and schedule the install. Then you select the day and time you want updates to be installed.

Install during automatic maintenance is not checked as this would install updates when the machine is not in use (avoiding installing updates on battery power). The setting is explained on the right hand panel but a screenshot of the explanation is provided below.

Once you are happy with your settings click apply and ok. Afterwards you can close gpedit.msc.

Your settings should be ready to go!