Why does windows update install updates upon restarting the computer (windows is configuring your computer) before the login screen appears, whilst there are no pending updates visible (in windows update) to be installed before the computer is restarted?
I'm using Windows 20H2
Not really no because I manually initiated a restart by clicking restart from the start menu.
Because a lot of system updates need to be done prior to Windows starting up in the usual way.
Updating also continues on after the Restart, presumably system stuff that is not being used immediately.
The messages in the Settings pages for updates require Windows to be operating as normal. It is only a vague guide as to what is going on.
Active hours Restart icon in system Tray or the usual Start > Power > Restart are the same thing.
- which means that anything pending due to Active Hours would then be installed.
Further, actions which make changes to system files have to be taken before they are in use.
Compare the way chkdsk operates- try to use it with a repair option on your system disk and you will be told the task will run on restarting your PC- before Windows is loaded.
But nothing was pending on the Windows Update window.
You have misunderstood my question. I know windows installs windows updates before the login screen appears. To explain that has nothing to do with my question.
I'll rephrase my question. Let's put it this way.
If Windows Update says that "I'm up to date", why would windows update install updates upon restart before the login screen appears?
This is false. It's not the same thing. With active hours the computer will restart automatically of its own accord (without user input). So if someone has programs or files open, those programs will be closed and if files were currently being edited or pages opened, the current status of that will be lost if not previously saved. To click restart from the start menu someone would assume that the person has already saved their work.
I don't feel the need to run chkdsk at boot time. You don't understand my question.
I'll rephrase my question. Let's put it this way.
If Windows Update says that "I'm up to date", why would windows update install updates upon restart before the login screen appears?
Some updates are silent such as updates to windows update itself.
I noticed it once or twice. I had the feeling that it was connected to putting an optional update on the PC or removing an optional update from the PC. No activity was visible in update history. It might also be connected with changes in Defender.
It looks like Windows is doing a hardware compatibility check, to determine if any drivers should be disabled if faulty while sending these diagnostics to Microsoft.
See more information here.
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