How do I Schedule/delay Windows Updates?

You can delay automatic Windows updates from installing on your PC until the Bonus Zone hours to maximize your Service Plan Data.

Why does Windows update automatically?

With automatic updating, Windows automatically checks for the latest updates for your computer. You don’t have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.

You can fully utilize all of your Hughesnet® data by rescheduling your updates to occur during the Bonus Zone (formerly Bonus Bytes) of 8 PM and 2 AM.

How do I schedule Windows Updates?

On Windows 11:

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > Windows Update .
  2. Select the amount of time you’d like to pause for.

Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > Windows Update . 
  2. Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that’s convenient for you.

Note: You can set active hours to make sure your device only restarts for updates when you’re not using your PC. Get updates when you’re away from your PC with active hours in Windows

On Windows 10:

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update .
  2. Select either Pause updates for 7 days or Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.

Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:

  1. Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update . 
  2. Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that’s convenient for you.

Note: You can set active hours to make sure your device only restarts for updates when you’re not using your PC. Get updates when you’re away from your PC with active hours in Windows

For more information, visit Microsoft Support by clicking here.

What is Email Phishing?

A Phishing Email is a fake email that looks like it came from a company you do business with and asks you for private information such as your username and password, social security number, or credit card information. Scammers send these emails to get your private data and commit fraud, which may involve charging unwanted items to your credit card or impersonating your identity.

Hughesnet® may contact customers in certain circumstances to verify or update information. Emails from Hughesnet will direct you to access your account online securely with your Username and Password or direct you to call Customer Care. Hughesnet will never ask you to reply to an email with any personal information.

Steps You Can Take to Make Sure You Don’t Fall for Phishing Scams

  • Be suspicious. Do not give out personal account information, such as usernames, passwords, and account numbers over the phone or in an email.
  • Look but don’t click. A phishing scam may have malicious links in legitimate-sounding copy.
  • Check for spelling errors. Legitimate messages usually do not have spelling mistakes or poor grammar. Also, never open an attachment from someone you do not recognize.
  • Beware of urgency.  Urgent or threatening language is a common phishing tactic to invoke a sense of urgency or fear.       

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Customer Care at 866-347-3272                                   

I Think I Received, Responded-to Or Have Been Scammed. What Should I Do?

  • If you responded to a fraudulent email, immediately alert your bank and/or credit card company.
  • If you received spam that is phishing for information, forward it to spam@uce.gov.
  • If you think you’ve been scammed, file your complaint at https://www.ftc.gov/. Then, visit the FTC’s Identity Theft Web site at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft to learn how to minimize your risk of damage from ID theft.
  • Want to learn other ways to avoid email scams and deal with fraudulent emails? Visit https://www.ftc.gov/spam.

Can I Buy More Data if I Run Out?

If you exceed your Service Plan Data, you will stay connected, but may experience reduced speeds until the next billing cycle. Data Tokens are a great way to restore your high-speed data.

You can purchase Data Tokens from:

  • myhughesnet.com

Sign in or register on myhughesnet.com. Once logged-in, click on ‘Usage’ and ‘Data Token Purchase’ in the second menu.

  • Hughesnet Mobile App

Download the Hughesnet® Mobile App from your app store and enjoy easy account management at your fingertips. You can purchase Data Tokens from both the ‘Overview’ and ‘Usage’ screens.

  • From the ‘Overview’ screen, click on the ‘Buy Tokens’ button.
  • If you are on the ‘Usage’ screen, click on ‘Data Token Purchase’.

To learn more about Data Tokens, click here.

What is your upload/download allowance policy (Fair Access Policy)?

To ensure fair internet access for all Hughesnet® customers, Hughesnet maintains a special Fair Access Policy that establishes an equitable balance in internet access for all Hughesnet subscribers. Similar to how cell phone providers manage their data plans, all Hughesnet plans come with an allotment of data, that may be downloaded or uploaded within each monthly billing cycle. Subscribers who exceed this amount may experience slower speeds during high-traffic periods until their next billing cycle.

Here are some tips to optimize your data usage:

1. Enable Video Optimizer for optimized streaming experience up to HD quality.

2. Turn OFF devices when not in use

3. Schedule downloads/updates during Bonus Zone

For current Terms and Conditions and additional information, go to the Subscriber Agreement here.

Can I use HughesNet to Run a Small Network?

Home networks include everything connected to your Hughesnet® internet – from multiple computers to Wi-Fi devices such as tablets and smartphones. Learn more about Hughesnet home network capabilities.

You can connect multiple home computers and laptops to a single Hughesnet internet connection. Home networking equipment may be required and is not included with your Hughesnet system. For network setup, support, and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (Hughes is not responsible for home network configuration or management).

All computers on your network will share a single internet connection. This includes Wi-Fi devices such as tablets and smartphones as well. 

Is there a limit to the number of computers I can connect?

You can wirelessly connect as many devices as you want to. However, several devices connected to your internet simultaneously may result in performance degradation. Hughesnet offers a variety of Service Plans to accommodate your internet usage needs. Click here to help find the right plan for you.

Purchase Data Tokens through Your Account

1) Sign in or Register at myHughesNet.com. Click on “Usage” and then “Data Token Purchase”. 

2) Select which Token you would like 

3) The Data Token purchase window launches. This screen displays the Data Token you’ve selected. Click “Purchase”.