Expected Restart Behavior – Windows 11 Devices

Overview

This article outlines the restart expectations and deferral options for all Windows 11 devices managed by IT. These policies apply to operating system updates, driver updates, and third-party application updates. If you ever experience issues outside of these outlined expectations, please contact the District Office Service Desk at (480) 731-8632

Operating System and Microsoft-Delivered Driver Update

Microsoft manages Windows 11 operating system and driver updates through Windows patch management via our Endpoint Management tools.

Key details:

  • Applies to Windows 11 security, quality, and Microsoft-delivered driver updates.
  • Updates are offered 5 days after Microsoft's "Patch Tuesday" (this is the deferral period).
  • Users have 2 days after the update becomes available to install it before installation is automatically enforced (this is the deadline period).
  • Once installed, users have up to 3 days to restart on their own before Windows automatically reboots to complete the update (this is the grace period).

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Third-Party Application Updates

All approved third-party applications, such as Adobe Reader, WebEX, Microsoft Edge-Runtime, and Google Chrome, are managed through IT’s centralized update process.

Key details:

  • Updates are made available 5 days after release (deferral period) to allow for initial validation and staging.
  • Once available, users have 2 days to install the update before it is automatically enforced (deadline period).
  • After installation, users have 3 days to restart the device or affected applications before a reboot (if required) is automatically triggered (grace period).
  • If an application must be closed before it can be updated, users will receive a notification prompting them to close the app to allow the update to proceed.
  • A final 60-minute restart notification will appear before a required reboot, and users can snooze the restart for up to 2 hours if needed.
  • Automatic restarts are scheduled to occur outside of active hours whenever possible to minimize disruption, but will begin if the device is off during the timeframe the next time the machine is logged in.

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Dell Drivers and Firmware Updates

Dell Command Update is used to manage Dell-specific driver, BIOS, and firmware updates.

Key details:

  • Applies to Dell-provided system drivers, BIOS, and firmware updates.
    • Updates follow the same deferral cadence as Windows and third-party app updates:
    • Up to three deferrals allowed within a seven-day window.
  • After the third deferral or seven days, the device will automatically restart to complete the update.
  • These updates are typically applied alongside scheduled maintenance or Windows patch cycles.

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Additional Resources

For more support and self-help articles and resources, visit our ITS Ticketing Service Catalog at help.maricopa.edu or you can call the District Information Technology Service support line directly at 480-731-8632.

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