Is it possible to set Windows 10 so that it has to get confirmation that it is OK to starta an Uodate download before it begins. I am fed up with my computer starting the update sequence while I am in the middle of important work.

Mark Cato 0 Reputation points
2024-03-13T10:14:17.96+00:00

Windows 10 updates happen without warning. they too often start the process when I am in the middle of important work. It slows my computer down in a big way - thereby stopping me from doing anything for a long time.
I am sure there used to be a way to set the system so that there was an onscreen prompt that warned you an update was about to happen and you could stop it before it started and give a delay that suited your activity. Or, better still, it will not start and update sequence until you click yes on the warning.
I know I can change settings to not update for a number of days but I am one of many people who do not have a diary in my head!!! or know which is the future date when I can leave computer on, to update when I do not need it!

Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager: An integrated solution for for managing large groups of personal computers and servers.Updates: Broadly released fixes addressing specific issue(s) or related bug(s). Updates may also include new or modified features (i.e. changing default behavior).
1,043 questions
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. glebgreenspan 2,230 Reputation points
    2024-03-13T12:28:54.15+00:00

    Hello Mark

    Yes, it is possible to change the update settings in Windows 10 so that you are notified before an update is downloaded and installed. Here's how you can do it:

    1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
    2. Click on Advanced options.
    3. Under "Choose when updates are installed", select "Semi-Annual Channel" from the drop-down menu.
    4. Under "Pause Updates", you can select a specific date up to 35 days in the future to pause updates.
    5. Under "Update notifications", toggle on the option to receive notifications when your device needs to be restarted to install updates.
    0 comments
  2. AllenLiu-MSFT 44,421 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-03-14T02:44:49.52+00:00

    Hi, @Mark Cato

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A forum.

    You may follow the steps to edit group policy to set Notify for download and notify for install.

    1. Press Windows key on the keyboard or click on the search bar.
    2. Type Edit Group Policy
    3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates >  All Settings >  Configure Automatic Updates. 
    4. Under Configure automatic updating, Click on Edit policy settings.
    5. Click on Select Enabled option.
    6. Select second option labelled Notify for download and notify for install. Don’t make any changes in rest of the settings.

    If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Add comment".

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.