Stop Windows Updates from Restarting Your PC
Preventing Unexpected Reboots in Windows
Have you encountered the frustrating situation in Windows 8 where a reboot is initiated without your consent, leaving you only able to save your current work? This guide details how to prevent such occurrences from happening again.
The method described herein is also applicable to systems running Windows 7, offering a consistent solution across both operating systems.
Understanding Automatic Reboots
Previously, we addressed a technique for stopping Windows 7 from rebooting automatically. This article expands upon that knowledge, presenting multiple approaches to achieve the same outcome.
Method 1: Utilizing Group Policy Editor
The Group Policy Editor provides a robust way to control system behavior, including automatic reboots.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter. - Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
- Double-click "No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations".
- Select "Enabled" and click "Apply" then "OK".
Method 2: Modifying the Registry
Alternatively, you can modify the Windows Registry to disable automatic reboots.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU. - If the
AUkey doesn't exist, create it. - Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value
NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers. - Double-click the new value and set its data to
1. - Click "OK" and close the Registry Editor.
Implementing either of these methods will effectively prevent Windows from automatically rebooting while you are actively using your computer, ensuring your work remains undisturbed.
Stopping Automatic Restarts After Windows Updates in Windows 8
To access the Run dialog, simultaneously press the Win + R keys on your keyboard. Then, type gpedit.msc and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
Within the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update
Locate the setting labeled:
No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
A double-click will open its configuration window.
Enable this setting by selecting the "Enabled" radio button. The previous setting, "Not Configured," should be changed. Then, click "Apply" to save your changes.
It is recommended to initiate a Group Policy update to ensure the modifications take effect without delay.
The process is now complete. Your system will no longer automatically restart after installing scheduled Windows updates while users are logged in.
Utilizing the Windows Registry
Should your installation of Windows 8 lack the Group Policy editor, disabling automatic reboots can still be accomplished through the registry. Initiate this process by pressing the Windows key and the 'R' key simultaneously, which will open a Run dialog box.
Within the Run box, type 'regedit' and then press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
Subsequently, navigate to the following path within the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
It's important to note that if the 'Windows Update' or 'AU' keys are not present, they will need to be manually created.
Next, a new 32-bit DWORD value must be created and named 'NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers'.
Double-click the newly created DWORD to modify its value.
Assign a hexadecimal value of '1' to this DWORD.
Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes. The system will no longer automatically reboot after Windows updates are installed.