Disable Auto Restart After Windows Update with Regedit

This article explains how to prevent Windows from automatically restarting your computer after installing Windows Updates by modifying the Windows Registry (Regedit). Following these straightforward steps will configure your system to require manual approval for reboots whenever a user is logged in, preventing sudden interruptions and unsaved data loss.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit into the field and press Enter or click OK.
3. Select Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Update Key

In the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 3: Create the WindowsUpdate and AU Keys (If Missing)

1. Look under the Windows folder in the left sidebar for a folder named WindowsUpdate.
2. If it does not exist:
   • Right-click the Windows key.
   • Select New > Key.
   • Name it WindowsUpdate.
3. Right-click the WindowsUpdate key.
4. Select New > Key.
5. Name it AU (which stands for Automatic Updates).

Your complete path should now be: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU

Step 4: Create the NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers Value

1. Click to select the AU key in the left pane.
2. Right-click anywhere in the empty space on the right pane.
3. Hover over New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new value NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers and press Enter.

Step 5: Modify the Value Data

1. Double-click the newly created NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers entry.
2. Set the Value data field to 1.
3. Ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal.
4. Click OK.

Step 6: Apply the Changes

Close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer once to ensure the new registry configuration takes effect. Moving forward, Windows Update will notify you of required restarts but will not force a reboot while your account remains logged in.