A method and system for controlling an in-process software distribution to computing devices. A time of a disturbance in an environment of a computing device is predicted based on a change in a pressure exerted on the computing device. A checkpoint in a time interval of a distribution of a set of software upgrade increments to the computing device is automatically determined. The checkpoint is prior to the time of the disturbance. The determination of the checkpoint utilizes length(s) of increment(s) of the set of increments. Prior to the checkpoint, the computing device receives the increment(s). The computing device requests an interruption of the distribution beginning at the checkpoint. In one embodiment, the computing device is a buoy-like energy capture and generation device.