How do I stop Windows Update from restarting my computer in Windows 7 Home Premium?

Anonymous
2009-11-04T14:27:38+00:00

While I do not mind Windows Update automatically updating my PC, hacing it force a reboot when I am logged in is causing a problem.  I currently have WU set to perform the updates at 3am, and when it finished, if there needs to be a reboot, I am not there to tell it to wait.  I would prefer to leave the time settings as they are, and simply disable the automatic reboot, instead opting for WU to let me know it needs to reboot the PC.  I found ways of doing this in XP and Vista, including registry edits and group policy modifications.  However, The registry is obviously slightly different so the keys do not exist compared to what I found, and since I am running Home Premium I do not have gpedit.

Where in the registry can I make a change so I don't have lost data when WU resets my computer at night?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2009-11-05T21:05:54+00:00

Another way to do it without hacking the registry, which can be scary for some users), is to follow the instructions on the following website:

http://weblogs.asp.net/jgalloway/archive/2006/02/11/438009.aspx

I've pasted in the main parts of it, in case the link goes dead (but no nice pictures though):

  1. Go to Start -> Run(or in Vista and 7 simply press the windows orb)
  2. Type: gpedit.msc
  3. Expand Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Windows Update
  4. Double-click "No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates installations"
  5. Select "Enabled", then OK. Close the Group Policy configuration program.

That should stop it autorestarting.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-03-09T22:53:16+00:00

    Another way to do it without hacking the registry, which can be scary for some users), is to follow the instructions on the following website:

    http://weblogs.asp.net/jgalloway/archive/2006/02/11/438009.aspx

    I've pasted in the main parts of it, in case the link goes dead (but no nice pictures though):

    1. Go to Start -> Run(or in Vista and 7 simply press the windows orb)
    2. Type: gpedit.msc
    3. Expand Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Windows Update
    4. Double-click "No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates installations"
    5. Select "Enabled", then OK. Close the Group Policy configuration program.

    That should stop it autorestarting.

    wont work on windows 7 ultimate

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-03-06T22:14:30+00:00

    I see there are a lot of answers here.  And some of them are very helpful.  But this site shows a really easy way to stop your computer from auto-restarting after updates.

    here is the link: http://randomeh.com/tutorials/windows7/noautorestart.php

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-09-15T13:04:11+00:00

    Hi Debra, Thanks for your answer, it looks really helpful! By turning the auto updates off, that will stop the PC from restarting overnight, correct? That's all I need it to do and seems much easier than the registry change (I have 7 Home as well). Thanks again.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-09-07T21:14:37+00:00

    In other words WriteOn, don't you dare question the fact that your question was ignored or the poorly thought out design that is forced upon users like yourself for managing when and how updates should take place. You should know by now that you either do it Microsoft's way, or else run the risk of being "banned forever"

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