I want to turn off the automatic restart for Windows Update on Windows 7 Home Premium. How do I do this?

Anonymous
2009-11-05T12:57:50+00:00

I went to sleep last night and when I woke up my computer had been restarted.  I did not tell it to restart, I did not want it restarted, and I had documents opened that I cannot recover because it restarted.  It restarted because Windows Update had a single update to install.  I am running Windows 7 Home Premium, so I do not have the group policy editor, and the registry key that some websites mentioned to use to disable the restart is not there.

Keep in mind, I just want to prevent an involuntary restart.  I do not want to turn off Windows Update, and I don't mind being prompted to restart.  I just don't want my computer restarting on its own ever again.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2009-11-05T13:05:29+00:00

In Windows Update, click on change settings. Under Important Updates, select 'Download updates but let me choose whether to install them'. This will give you the control on when to install and restart if required.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-07-16T19:47:07+00:00

    Most operating systems can update themselves without rebooting, why can't windows?

    Sure if you make an update to the kernal or something critical, but otherwise why not shut down the service and restartit with out restarting windows.

    There is no reason why my computer should auto restart because of internet explorer being updated. I don't even use IE.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-07-16T19:46:46+00:00

    Most operating systems can update themselves without rebooting, why can't windows?

    Sure if you make an update to the kernal or something critical, but otherwise why not shut down the service and restartit with out restarting windows.

    There is no reason why my computer should auto restart because of internet explorer being updated. I don't even use IE.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-16T18:23:32+00:00

    None of my computers EVER reboot automatically due an update.

    Wow, you're a real professional. It's absolutely great that the problem doesn't apply to you. Splendid. Fantastic. However, this changes nothing about the others being pissed off. If you'd like to be helpful, feel free to. Otherwise, don't let the door hit you on your way out of these fora.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-07-05T22:08:08+00:00

    My windows 7 doesnt even have step 2.

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