WarpConduit Computing

Prevent Windows Update from Automatically Rebooting Your PC

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In Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 your computer may automatically install Window’s Updates and then restart.  Follow one of the methods below to disable this behavior.  These instructions are for computer experts only.

Method 1

  1. Run gpedit.msc
  2. Go to Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update
  3. Double-click on “No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Update installation”
  4. Enable it, click OK and close the Group Policy Editor
  5. Reboot

Method 2

If you don’t have gpedit.msc, use the following instructions.

  1. Run regedit.exe
  2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
    Note: You will need to create the WindowsUpdate and AU keys if they are missing.
  3. Create a new 32-bit DWORD value inside of WindowsUpdate\AU and name it NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers
  4. Double-click on your newly created value and give it a value data of 1 (hexadecimal)
  5. Click OK and close Registry Editor