Configuring Windows to reboot automatically after non-automatic update

Wheffle · 26 Apr 2014

I've googled a bunch and searched the forums a bit, and most people seemed mostly concerned with stopping Windows from rebooting automatically, which is reasonable.

However, I would like the system to reboot automatically after an update that I have given the go-ahead to download and install. From what I understand, if I set windows update to "automatically download and install updates", it will do just that and then automatically reboot, but if I have it set to anything else, the automatic reboot will not happen.

I like to be able to have full control and give the go-ahead before updates begin downloading and installing, but I'd also like the computer to reboot by itself after I manually start those updates. I like to give the go-ahead at night when I'm done using the computer, and I'd like the computer to be rebooted and completely done in the morning. Is there any way to do this?

NoelDP · 26 Apr 2014

Usually, after a manual update (and if it's necessary at all), you'll get a 10-minute reboot warning (or at least I do) - if you ignore that, it will reboot automatically, in theory :)

Wheffle · 26 Apr 2014

Hmm.... I get a window that tells me I need to reboot, and gives me the option of being reminded again in 10 minutes or more. There is never a timer with an automatic reboot though. For the life of me I can't find a way to configure this.

NoelDP · 26 Apr 2014

There's a setting available in GP - I'll see if I can work out what it does and how, since GP isn't available in Home Premium.

NoelDP · 26 Apr 2014

Unfortunately, it looks as if all the settings only apply to Automatically-installed updates, rather than manual ones.
One thing that may be worth trying though, is logging out (not shutting down) after you've started the installing (not the download) - I think WU will continue the install, and may do the reboot itself - try it with a single update and see what happens after leaving it for an hour.

Wheffle · 26 Apr 2014

I guess I can try that, though it's not ideal. It seems really strange that this wouldn't be an option. Oh well, I guess it's a small annoyance.

Loki · 27 Apr 2014

You might try this:

Start Task Scheduler.
1. create a basic task
2. name the task
3. select the Next button to add a trigger
4. select "When a specific event is logged"
Attachment 315569
5. select the Next button to add a action
6. select "Start a Program"
7. Browse: C:\Windows\system32\shutdown
7a. Brink has an excellent tutorial on creating a shutdown shortcut: Shut Down Computer Shortcut - Create
browse to the short cut and select it, it will show in the path box as "C:\Windows\system32\shutdown" but should run with the options you selected in the shortcut you created from Brinks tutorial.

Attachment 315570

7. select the Next button to complete the task wizard
Attachment 315571

In the above screen shot I check the "Open the Properties dialog for this task when I click Finish" you only need to do that if you want to set/check more options, this task should work as is...

Disclaimer: I've not run this task so it may or may not work... and I take no responsibility if you blow up the World

Loki