So recently I changed a setting in W8.1's "PC Settings" app, where it would automatically download updates, but ask me when to update them.  For the past few days, I've gotten a notification to update, which I went to go try to do, but was left with a spinning wheel of death: Windows Update Screenshot

System Specs:

• Intel i5 4570
• MSI Z97 PC Mate
• Gigabyte GTX 770 4GB
• 8GB DDR3 RAM
• Samsung Evo 840 250GB SSD (boot)
• 2TB SSHD (large programs and data)
• Corsair 750M PSU

I'm not really sure what to do from here.  Any suggestions?

• Edited by 123386761 10 hours 56 minutes ago title needed adjustment

So recently I changed a setting in W8.1's "PC Settings" app, where it would automatically download updates, but ask me when to update them.  

I have found that sometimes it is better to let the update happen during a reboot than trying to make it happen while still connected, e.g. especially one which is going to cause a Restart anyway.  I think you may be able to do that by just checking that you want it to be applied but waiting until you reboot to actually get it done.  Otherwise you could always temporarily change your setting back to the recommended setting.

FWIW I happen to have a Defender update that I would normally install manually while online but just to test the functionality that I mentioned I will just check it and then see if that changes my Shut down options...  Can't tell yet and I don't want to Restart right now but I'll try to remember that I have done this.

 

HTH

My main problem is that I put off restarting my PC until it warns me "You have 15 minutes to save your shit before we force shut down your PC", and I hate that message.  It always shows up at the worst times.

"You have 15 minutes to save

Change it.  I think you can give it another 4 hours at least.