Control Windows updates so they never interrupt your players
See when updates are waiting, install them when it suits you, pause them during events, and stop surprise restarts.
Windows updates keep your server secure, but an unexpected restart in the middle of a busy evening is no fun. The Windows updates tab puts you in charge of when they happen.
Know when updates are waiting
Your server checks for waiting updates by itself every hour. When there are some, the Windows updates tab shows a red number, so you can spot it from any tab:
Open the tab to see N updates are available, with their names. Click Check now to ask Microsoft straight away.
If the tab shows ! instead of a number, updates are installed but need a restart to finish. Restart when it suits you.
Install updates
Click Install N updates (or Install updates now). It can take from a few minutes to an hour and can slow the server while it runs.
Pause updates
Got an event coming up? Under Pause updates, choose 7 days, 14 days or 5 weeks. Click Resume now to start them again early.
Stop restarts during your busy hours
Under When Windows may restart:
- Set Busy from and Until to your busy hours, for example 14:00 to 02:00. Windows won't restart for updates inside them. Windows allows up to 18 hours.
- Tick Never restart automatically while someone is logged in. This is recommended for game servers.
- Click Save.
The Status card at the top sums up your current settings.
Good to know
- Pausing for a long time leaves security fixes waiting, so resume once your event is over.
- Want a message when updates are waiting? Turn on Discord alerts.
