How To Schedule End-Of-Month Software Updates Outside Business Hours

General IT KB-1474

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How To Schedule End-Of-Month Software Updates Outside Business Hours. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

Scheduling software updates to run outside of standard business hours helps minimise disruption to staff productivity and ensures devices remain secure without interrupting the workday. This guide explains how to configure automatic Windows and macOS updates to install during off-peak times, such as evenings or weekends.

Quick Fix Steps

Open the system settings for Windows Update or Software Update.
Configure active hours or a scheduled maintenance window.
Enable automatic installation of updates.
Restart the device to confirm changes take effect.

Detailed Instructions

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Select Start, then select Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Under Active hours, select Change active hours.
Choose Manually and set the start and end times that match your standard business hours.
Select Advanced options.
Under Update options, ensure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is turned on if required.
Ensure Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating is enabled.

Windows may still restart outside active hours to install critical updates. Save all work before leaving the office each day.

macOS

Select the Apple menu, then select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Go to General > Software Update.
Select the i button or Advanced next to Automatic updates.
Enable Check for updates, Download new updates when available, and Install macOS updates.
If available, enable Install security responses and system files.
Select Done to save your settings.

macOS updates often require a restart to complete. Ensure staff save open documents before leaving devices on overnight.

Troubleshooting

Updates are installing during business hours

Verify that active hours in Windows Update match your organisation's actual operating times.
Check that no pending updates are overriding the schedule due to critical security patches.

Device will not restart after updates

Manually restart the device at the end of the day to allow updates to finish installing.
Check for low battery levels on laptops; connect to power before leaving overnight.

Update settings are greyed out

Your organisation may manage updates centrally. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.
Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

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