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.
I want to turn off the automatic restart for Windows Update on Windows 7 Home Premium. How do I do this?
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Anonymous
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
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Anonymous
2011-07-25T08:45:28+00:00 I am a PC, but Microsoft tells me what to do?
It's MY computer. If I want to be infected, it's MY choice. If I want to take risks, it's MY choice.
I am a customer, Microsoft, let me decide.
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Anonymous
2011-08-10T14:47:16+00:00 A restart is required if files are being replaced that are currently in use. It's more that that really.
Any OS wouldn't be stable if it allowed one to replace in use files. As such, it's also a security thing.
Now a bit of editorializing: I never understand why users who complain about their own lack of knowledge of how their computer is configured. Yes, you may have lost work because you neglected to reconfigure Windows Update not to automatically restart. I sympathize, but the issue is bigger than that. It's one of security again.
In order that your system stay up to date and secure , you need to keep it updated. This goes for all OSes -not just Windows.
A few years ago, Microsoft was taken to task (rightfully so) about how 'open' an initial install was - their general approach being that users should lock down their own system as their needs dictate. They were berated daily & often by the usual suspects regarding this, and few years back they changed the approach to 'secure by default'. Now a new install is pretty locked down. You need to see the default settings for auto update in this light.
And lastly, it's a computer - not a toaster. You will be required know more than how to plug it in and press the big friendly buttons.
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Anonymous
2011-08-10T19:51:47+00:00 I am one of the victim who just got restarted by Msft Windows7. Just woke up bootup my laptop, opening up all my usual software, netbeans and stuff, work a little like half an hour, went for bath, came back and found myself looking at the bootup windows logo...FFFFUUUUUUU!!!
I am amazed by this Windows 7, we are in 2011 now!! Microsoft previously promised before there will be no restart needed for updates before win7 launch!! Is this consider as false advertisement?? I am talking to my lawyer now and I'm prepared to sue msft for this.