Disable Windows Update Shutdown - Stop Update Hijacking
Preventing Windows Update from Overriding Sleep/Shutdown Settings
As a frequent user of the Sleep function on laptops, many have experienced frustration with Windows 7 and Vista. These operating systems sometimes alter the Sleep/Shutdown button to initiate an "Install Updates and Shut Down" process when Windows Update detects available updates.
This unexpected behavior can be particularly irritating. After inadvertently selecting this option when intending only to enter sleep mode, a search for a solution became necessary.
Important Update: This issue persists in Windows 7, affecting the Shutdown button as well. Fortunately, the same registry modification effectively resolves the problem in both scenarios.
Manual Registry Modification
For those who prefer a manual approach, the following steps can be taken. Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) through the Start menu search. Then, navigate to the following key, creating it if it doesn't already exist:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
Within this key, a new 32-bit DWORD value must be added. Name this value NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption and assign it a value of 1.
A system reboot is generally not required for these changes to take effect. The Sleep button should now function as intended.
The option to "Install Updates and Shut Down" remains accessible through the standard shutdown menu, should it be desired.
Automated Registry Hack Download
To simplify the process, a pre-configured registry hack is available for download. Extract the contents of the downloaded file.
Double-click the StopHijackingMySleepButton.reg file to implement the necessary registry changes. No restart is typically needed, as the modifications are applied immediately.
A corresponding registry file is also provided to uninstall the hack, restoring the default behavior. A similar solution may exist for Windows XP, although the relevant registry key location might differ.
Download StopHijackingMySleepButton Registry Hack.