MiWorkspace: Windows 11 Compelled Restart After Installation of Windows Updates

Environment

MiWorkspace Windows 11 OS

Issue

Compelled Restart after installation of Windows Updates.

Resolution

Restarts of MiWorkspace Windows 11 devices will be compelled for Windows Updates. 

Following installation of Windows updates that require a restart, MiWorkspace Windows 11 customers will receive a notification (shown below) indicating that their device needs to be restarted.  The notice also provides an option to pick a time that fits the customer’s schedule.

  A view of the Windows update restart notification with Restart now, Pick a time, and Restart tonight button options                                     

When first prompted, the customer must manage and schedule the updates within the 7-calendar day grace period to ensure that restarts occur during a preferred time. Otherwise, the device will be forced to reboot after the grace period. Once Windows updates are available, but before the end of the 7-day grace period, the customer will have the option to:

  • Pick a time
    • Clicking this option will open a scheduling tool, allowing customers to pick a restart time (and reminder) within the next 7 days that works with their schedule.
    • Schedule the restart options with day and time pickers and the Schedule restart and cancel buttons
  • Restart tonight
    • Like the "Pick a time" option, but the device will schedule a restart after the end time setup in "Active Hours" (See How to set Active Hours). Make sure to leave your device plugged in to power and running. 
  • Restart now
    • The device will restart and begin the update process immediately.

Once the deadline is reached, customers can no longer schedule the restart. They will get a message saying they are about to be signed out and the device will restart shortly after.

You are about to be signed out

Windows logon reminder to install software updates.

If customers don’t notice the Windows Update warning, once there is a pending restart, the System Tray will show an indicator. Hovering over the indicator will show the available options.

  A view of the new tray icon with "Your device needs to restart" hover message                                                                           

In addition to the system tray change, the Start menu and Start menu detail buttons will also change when there is a pending restart due to Windows updates.

A view of the start menu power button with an orange dot on it when a restart is required       A view of the power button details when a restart is required

When a customer schedules an update for a specific time, but the device is in sleep mode or powered off at that time, the update won't occur. Instead, when the device is next active, the customer will be notified that the scheduled update was missed. At this point, the customer is given the option to:

  1. Proceed with the update and reboot immediately.
  2. Reschedule the update for a later time, provided the deadline has not been reached

        A view of "It's time to restart" window where there is a missed scheduled restart

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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