Disabling Automatic Reboot after a Windows Update

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated May 29, 2017)

3

Often times (maybe once per week) Microsoft does us the favor of supplying automatic updates to our systems. Sometimes, these updates require that your system be rebooted afterwards. If you're like me, you leave your computer on all the time and often have applications running or files open. To have a reboot happen in the middle of the night could very well disrupt what I'd been working on. If you want to get the updates but not have your system automatically rebooted, there is something you can do about it.

Right-click Start and click Control Panel. In the new window that appears click Administration Tools. Now double-click Task Scheduler. Expand the nodes in the left pane from Task Scheduler Library through Microsoft | Windows. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Navigating the Task Scheduler.

Now scroll down the left pane until you get to UpdateOrchestrator and click it. In the top center pane, look for Reboot. Right-click this line and select Disable from the Context menu. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Disabling automatic reboot.

Now the updates will occur, but your system won't automatically be rebooted. If it turns out you don't like this behavior and you want to return to the automatic reboots, just go through the same process, but when you right-click Reboot choose Enable from the Context menu. Close all open windows. The changes take effect immediately.

 This tip (641) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding Compressed Folders

If you're running low on disk space, you may want to consider creating some compressed folders to give you a little ...

Discover More

Exporting a Portion of the Registry

Windows wouldn't function if it weren't for the Registry, and many system tweaks involve editing it. Before making such ...

Discover More

Pin Items to the Taskbar

You can improve your efficiency at managing your applications through effective use of the taskbar. This tip shows you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Disabling USB Selective Suspending

USB Selective Suspending allows Windows to automatically (and without warning) suspend USB ports. Discover how to ...

Discover More

Grouping Tiles on the Start Screen

The Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you desire. You can move tiles around on the Start ...

Discover More

Getting Started with the Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar is more than just for use in the Xbox ecosystem. What settings correlate to using Xbox Game Bar? Read on to ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is six more than 0?

2017-09-02 21:11:07

JW

Windows update re-enables this task or otherwise causes a reboot so this fix doesn't work

2017-05-31 10:43:48

LD

Wow, big help, thank you! This reboot has been miserable,never knew ho tot stop it

2017-05-30 00:30:30

Lanier Dodson

A simpler to remember method is to press the Windows key on the keyboard, or click on the Start button on the Taskbar, then select "Settings" and then "Update & Security."

Make sure "Windows Update" is selected in the left pane, then in the right pane under "Update Settings" select "Restart Options. Under "Schedule a time" select "Off."

Now Windows will not restart the computer following an update, but it will remind you frequently to do so.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.