Can I update Windows 10 manually?
Q I have always preferred to update the software on my PC manually, including previous editions of Windows. Now I would like to do the same for Windows 10, meaning I want to download and install updates only when I’m ready. What is the procedure for doing this? Do updates take place on a particular day every month or can they be installed at any time? Geoffrey Ferris A Windows 10 updates can arrive on any day of the month and at any time. Your PC downloads and installs them automatically and, officially at least, you can’t avoid them. If you have Windows 10 Anniversary Update installed, however, you have some control over when they’re installed — and if your PC connects to the internet over Wi-fi, there’s a hidden setting that lets you defer updates indefinitely. To manage how and when Windows installs updates, click Start, then Settings (the cog icon). Click ‘Update & security’ followed by Windows Update. The options under ‘Update settings’ let you tweak the schedule. For example, click ‘Change active hours’ to set a period of up to 12 hours when Windows 10 won’t restart your PC automatically (from 8am to 8pm in the screenshot left).
Alternatively, when an update is available you can click ‘Restart options’ and choose a convenient time and date for the update to finish installing and restart your PC.
Finally, if you want to stop updates completely and your PC connects to the internet over Wi-fi, click Start followed by Settings, then click ‘Network & internet’. Next click Wifi, followed by your router’s name, and slide the ‘Set as metered connection’ switch to On. Windows 10 updates will not be downloaded or installed while this setting is active.