How to Stop Windows from Automatically Restarting After Updates

Tired of Windows restarting your PC after every update? Unlike Linux, where updates run quietly in the background, Windows often forces a reboot. Here are some simple ways to stop those automatic restarts and stay in control.

1. Turn Off Windows Update Service

This is the quickest fix:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down and find Windows Update.
• Right-click it, choose Properties.
• Under Startup Type, select Disabled.
• Click Apply, then OK.

⚠️ Keep in mind: this will block all updates — even important security patches and app updates. For better control, check the next methods.

2. Use Group Policy Editor (For Pro and Enterprise Users)

If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise:

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
• Go to:
  Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
• On the right, double-click: No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automated updates installation.
• Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

✅ This stops automatic restarts but still lets Windows download updates.

3. Use PowerShell

Techy option, but powerful!

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• On Windows 11, paste this script:

$registryPath = "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU"
if (-not (Test-Path $registryPath)) {
    New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force | Out-Null
}
Set-ItemProperty -Path $registryPath -Name "NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers" -Value 1 -Type DWord
Set-ItemProperty -Path $registryPath -Name "AUOptions" -Value 4 -Type DWord

• On Windows 10, just run:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU" -Name "NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers" -Value 1

📝 Want to bring back automatic restarts? Run the same command but change the value from 1 to 0.

4. Use Registry Editor

Prefer a manual route?

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Go to:
  Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
• Find AU, then locate NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers.
• Double-click it and set the value to 1.

⚠️ Pro tip: always back up your registry before making changes.

5. Disable Restart Task in Task Scheduler

Stop Windows’ update restarts from the source:

• Open Task Scheduler.
• Go to:
  Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > UpdateOrchestrator
• Look for Reboot on the right panel.
• Right-click and choose Disable.

If you don’t see Reboot, tweak Schedule Scan instead:

• Right-click Schedule Scan > Properties.
• Go to the Conditions tab and change the restart settings.

6. Set Active Hours

This built-in option is great for avoiding restarts during work hours:

• On Windows 11: go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Active Hours.
• On Windows 10: go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select Change Active Hours.
• Switch Adjust Active Hours to Manually.
• Set your preferred hours (you can block restarts for up to 23 hours).

7. Use Metered Connections

A simple trick that limits updates and prevents surprise reboots:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
• Select your Wi-Fi network.
• Turn on Metered connection.

✅ This reduces automatic updates but still lets essential patches through — no advanced settings required!