Modify Windows Update Active Hours Range in Regedit

Windows uses “Active Hours” to prevent your computer from automatically restarting for updates while you are working. By default, Windows limits this active window to a maximum of 18 hours. This guide explains how to use the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit) to increase or adjust the maximum active hours range limit up to 24 hours.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit into the field and press Enter (or click OK).
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrator privileges.

Step 2: Navigate to the WindowsUpdate Key

In the Registry Editor’s left sidebar, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

Note: If the WindowsUpdate key does not exist under Windows, right-click on the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.

Step 3: Create or Modify the Active Hours Range Value

  1. Right-click inside the empty area in the right-hand pane of the WindowsUpdate folder.
  2. Hover over New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  3. Name the new value SetActiveHoursMaxRange and press Enter.
  4. Double-click on SetActiveHoursMaxRange to edit it.
  5. Under Base, select the Decimal radio button.
  6. In the Value data field, enter your desired maximum hours limit (between 8 and 24).
  7. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Apply and Verify the Changes

  1. Close the Registry Editor.
  2. Restart your computer to apply the new policy.
  3. Once restarted, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours to configure your expanded active hours range.