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How to Fix Windows 10 Deadline Automatic Updates and Restarts Not Working

Windows 10 is designed to keep your computer up to date automatically. However, sometimes the automatic updates and restarts, especially those related to deadlines, may not work as expected. This can cause delays in important security patches or feature updates.

Understanding why these updates don’t trigger automatically can help you fix the problem quickly. Often, the issue lies in system settings or background services that control updates.

In this guide, you will learn simple and effective steps to get Windows 10 deadline automatic updates and restarts working again.

Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. Updates require an active connection.
  • Check that your device is plugged into a power source if it’s a laptop. Windows may pause updates on battery power.
  • Confirm that your Windows 10 version is supported and not blocked from updates by your organization.
  • Ensure you have administrator rights on your computer to make changes to system settings.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve update issues. Restarting refreshes system processes and can clear temporary glitches preventing updates from running.

How to do it:

  1. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom left.
  2. Select the Power button.
  3. Click Restart.

After the restart, check if updates and automatic restarts work as expected.

Step 2: Check Windows Update Settings

Windows Update settings control how and when updates are installed. If deadlines or automatic restarts are disabled here, updates won’t complete on schedule.

How to check settings:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Update from the left menu.
  4. Click on Advanced options.
  5. Make sure options like “Automatically download updates, even over metered connections” and “Restart this device as soon as possible” are enabled.

These settings ensure updates download and install promptly, including automatic restarts for deadlines.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common update problems automatically.

How to run it:

  1. Open Settings using Windows key + I.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
  4. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool fixes many issues like corrupted update files or stuck services.

Step 4: Check and Restart Windows Update Services

Windows Update depends on several background services. If these services aren’t running properly, updates won’t trigger automatically.

How to check and restart services:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, find the following services:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services
  3. Right-click each service and choose Restart.
  4. If any service is not running, right-click and select Start.

Restarting these services helps clear any stuck processes that prevent updates from applying.

Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If updates still don’t work, resetting the update components can fix corrupted files or settings.

How to reset components:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click Start, type cmd.
    • Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt, type these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

This process stops update services, renames folders that store update files (forcing Windows to create fresh ones), and restarts the services.

Alternative Method: Use Group Policy Editor to Configure Deadlines

If your Windows 10 edition supports it (Pro, Enterprise), you can control update deadlines using Group Policy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
  3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
  4. Select Enabled, then choose your preferred update option (e.g., auto download and schedule the install).
  5. Click Apply and OK.

This method allows fine control over update behavior, including enforcing deadlines and automatic restarts.

FAQs

Why doesn’t Windows 10 restart automatically after updates?

Windows may delay restarts if you are actively using the PC or if update settings are configured to notify before restart. Also, certain apps running in the background can block restart.

Can I disable automatic updates to avoid forced restarts?

While you can pause updates temporarily, it’s not recommended to disable them completely, as security patches are vital for protection.

What does “Deadline” mean in Windows Update?

Deadline is the maximum time Windows allows before forcing an update and restart to complete installation, ensuring systems stay secure.

My Windows Update service won’t start. What should I do?

Check for system file corruption using the sfc /scannow command in an elevated Command Prompt. Also, make sure no third-party antivirus is blocking services.

Is it safe to rename SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, renaming it forces Windows to recreate update files fresh. It is a common and safe troubleshooting step.

When Nothing Works

If all the above steps fail, consider the following options:

  • Run System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This repairs corrupted system files.
  • Use the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official site to manually update your system.
  • Check the Microsoft Windows Update Troubleshooter page for official tools and support.
  • Consider contacting Microsoft Support if the problem persists.

Conclusion

Automatic updates and restarts are crucial for keeping Windows 10 secure and running smoothly. When deadline updates don’t work, it’s usually due to settings, service issues, or corrupted files.

By following the simple steps in this guide—from restarting your PC to resetting update components—you can restore automatic updates to proper working order.

Remember to keep your system connected to the internet and maintain proper update settings for seamless updates. If advanced methods are needed, tools like Group Policy Editor offer more control.

With these solutions, you can ensure your Windows 10 device stays up to date and protected without manual intervention.

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