How to Stop Windows Auto-Restart After Updates: Effective Methods

Ah, Windows updates—the love-hate relationship in every PC user's life. On one hand, they deliver vital bug fixes, shiny new features, and security patches to keep your machine safe from the looming shadows of cyber threats. But on the flip side, they infamously disrupt workflows with lengthy installations and, worst of all, those unsolicited auto-restarts. If your perfectly quiet environment has ever been interrupted with a sudden restart countdown, you’re not alone, and trust me, I feel your pain.
But despair not! In this article, we take control of the situation—like the boss of your own PC, as one should be—and explore how you can stop your system from auto-restarting after updates on Windows. We'll explain two reliable methods to tame this problem, paired with additional commentary on why Microsoft insists on this “feature.” Let’s dive right in.

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The Problem With Auto-Restarting After Updates​

Imagine working on an important document, attending a video call, or leaving your PC to crunch numbers overnight, only to return and find it restarted mid-task after a "helpful" system update. Frustration, thy name is Windows Update.
While Microsoft introduced auto-restart functionality with good intentions—ensuring every user's system remains updated without requiring manual effort—it’s far from user-friendly. Not everyone can drop what they're doing to wait for a PC reboot. Worse, some users keep computers running around the clock for automation scripts, compiling code, or resource-intensive tasks. A poorly-timed auto-restart sabotages all that.
The silver lining is that Windows offers ways to regain control, using either Active Hours or the Group Policy Editor. Let's break down both methods step by step.

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Method 1: Use Active Hours to Avoid Interruptions​

If you’re in the majority of folks who use their PCs during specific hours, the Active Hours feature should serve you well. With its help, you can let Windows know during which hours you should not be disturbed. While this doesn’t fully turn off auto-restarts, it significantly minimizes their annoyance.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Active Hours​

• Open the Settings app:
• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Windows Updates:
• Go to Windows Update in the left panel and click on Advanced options.
• Adjust Active Hours:
• Under the "Active hours" section, change the option to Manually.
• Specify the start and end times when you’re typically active.
• For example, if you work 8 a.m. to midnight, choose that interval.
• Enable Notifications:
• Toggle on the feature for "Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating."

Limitations:

• Active Hours allows you to set a maximum timeframe of 18 hours. If you want your PC interruption-free 24/7, you’ll need Method 2 instead.

Pro Tip: Pair this setting with a power plan that prevents auto-power-downs, ensuring long-running tasks are safeguarded.

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Method 2: Use Group Policy Editor to Disable Auto-Restarts​

For users who need absolute reign over their PCs’ reboot schedules, the Group Policy Editor beautifully steps in. This method applies to Windows 11 Pro (or higher) users but can be enabled on Home editions as well with a small workaround.

Step-by-Step Guide: Leveraging Group Policy Editor​

If You Already Have Group Policy Editor (Pro or Higher Editions):​

• Open the Run dialog: Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
• Locate Policies:
• Expand Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components.
• Dive Into Windows Update Policies:
• Click on Windows Update and locate No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations.
• Edit the Policy:
• Open the policy by double-clicking.
• Set it to Enabled, then click Apply and OK.
• Done! Auto-restarts from updates are now disabled.

If You Have Windows Home Edition (Missing Group Policy Editor):​

Although Group Policy Editor is exclusive to Pro editions, you can activate it manually on Home by following these easy steps:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
• Search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.
• Execute Commands to Install Group Policy Editor:
• Copy-paste the following command, and press Enter:
  

       FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

• Follow it up with this second command:
  

       FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

• Allow the installation process to finish, then restart your PC for changes to apply.
• Proceed with the regular steps outlined above to tweak restart policies.

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Extra: Disable Windows Updates Entirely (Extreme Option)​

For those who want to completely block updates (and the associated restarts), you can disable Windows Updates entirely. While not ideal—especially for security-conscious users—it might be worth considering in cases of mission-critical tasks.
To do this:

• Open Services (Windows key + R, then type services.msc).
• Look for Windows Update in the list, double-click it, and change the "Startup type" to Disabled.

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Closing Thoughts: Taking Back Control​

The reality is harsh—Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to bypass auto-restarts by design. Security updates work only if they’re applied and finalized, so the company preempts user procrastination with forced completion. While understandable from a cybersecurity standpoint, the end-user experience can feel dictatorial, especially when working on time-intensive tasks.
Thanks to Active Hours and the Group Policy Editor, however, you're not powerless. These tools let you strike a balance between staying updated and keeping control of when disruptions occur.
Got additional tips or grievances about Windows auto-restarts? Share them in the forum discussion below. It's time we users take the reins back.
Happy computing, and may your workflows remain unbroken!

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Source: XDA How to stop your Windows PC from auto-restarting after an update