A computer-implemented method is provided for a network controller to implement an update on network elements with minimal disruption. The network controller receives a request to install the update on a number of network elements in one or more networks. Installing the update in each respective network element removes it from operation for an outage duration of time. The network controller identifies at least one set of critical network elements based on business factors associated with removing the critical network elements from operation. The network controller generates an update plan including timing for installing the update on each respective network element. The timing is based on minimizing the outage duration for the set of critical network elements. The network controller installs the update in each network element according to the timing of the update plan.