Almost all Windows users use "Windows Updates" to download and install automatic updates for Windows released by Microsoft. These updates fix security issues and improve stability and performance of your computer so its always advised to install all Windows updates regularly.
You can set Windows to automatically install updates or ask you each time whenever a new update is available for download using its Settings.
Many times when Windows downloads updates, it needs to restart the computer to install those updates as the installation might require replacing of few system files which are currently in use by Windows. In such condition, Windows automatically replaces "Shut Down" button present in Start Menu with "Install Updates and Shut Down" button which looks like following screenshot:
The Windows shield icon near Shut Down button indicates that there are some updates waiting for installation and when you click on the button, it first installs those updates and then shuts down the system which might take lots of time.
It might become a bit annoying if you are in hurry and want to shut down your system immediately without wasting your time in installing those updates and sometimes it gets worst when you accidentally click on the button in hurry.
Today in this tutorial, we are going to tell you a Registry trick to disable this feature and set Windows to not replace your existing power button with its own install updates button in Start Menu.
So without wasting time, lets share the trick:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Start Menu search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Create a new key under "Windows" key and set its name to WindowsUpdate
4. Create another new key under WindowsUpdate key and set its name to AU
5. So the final key path would be:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
6. Now select AU key and in right-side pane create a new DWORD NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption and set its value to 1
Now Windows will no longer overwrite Shut Down button in Start Menu with Install updates button and you'll get "Install updates and shut down" option in power options list which appears when you click on the little arrow given near the shut down button as shown in following screenshot:
7. If you want to permanently remove this "Install updates and shut down" option, then create a new DWORD NoAUShutdownOption and set its value to 1
It'll completely remove "Install updates and shut down" option from Start Menu.
BONUS TIP: Sometimes Windows automatically restarts your computer to install scheduled updates. You can disable this automatic restart feature by creating a new DWORD NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers and set its value to 1
NOTE: If you don't want to edit the Registry yourself and want a ready-made Registry script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract it and run the Disable.REG file. it'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Registry Script to Disable "Automatic Restart" and "Install Updates and Shut Down" Option
If you are also facing some problem with Windows Updates, feel free to ask it in your comment...
Posted by: Vishal Gupta | Categories: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
shivakumar
Its very informative thanks:)
amiel
very neat trick VG!
LeoaprM95
You may also press ALT+F4 and choose the option you want, instead of clicking the shutdown button in the start menu...
actionOFdying
wow .... nice one
Madis
Run AskVG.com lol
Anyway, if you permanently remove that button, is there a way to install updates at all?
jmjsquared
Quoting an ancient, revered philosopher, "Tres, mucho, viele, very cool." Thanks for sharing.
VG
@Madis
When you'll restart your system, the updates will be automatically installed.
Madis
@VG
Oh, didn't thought of that. Thank you for replying.
VG
^^ No problem. :)
George
VG thanks once again for a great tip on the annoying updates on shutdown or automatic restart! MANY MANY THANKS!
Ashish
Cool trick...Thanks VG
Shanmukh
Is this only for Windows 7 or also the Windows XP ? And if we make this change , does that mean we will never have the option to do so ? Then that might lead to potential loss right ?
Shanmukh
Please ignore my previous comment . Is this only for Windows 7 or also the Windows XP ?
VG
^^ Works in Windows XP as well.
Gem
Thanks...............
VG BigFan
can i add the run key just like that ??
Addy
Alternatively close all windows , press Alt+F4 , then in " What do you want the computer to do ?" , select Shut Down rather than "Install Windows Updates And Shut Down"
VG
^^ Yep. You can do that.
@VG BigFan
I didnt understand. Please provide proper details about your question.
KTown
Thanks. Nice tip. It is good to have that feature on the desktop but when you are in a coffee shop on your laptop and you have to leave, it is annoying.
Joe Didier
Iam a pc repair guy, what I have been learning in the past couple of days, it was Better to give you all the moneys I paid in that. You are way better, love your and thank you again, Joe from NYC.
VG
^^ Thanks. I'm glad this site is helping you in learning new stuff. :)
Tony
Excellent! After 2 hours to reboot a server yesterday, and what looks like another 2 hours to reboot a server today, I'm just about ready to throttle the MS employee that invented this 'feature' (2003 used to ask, 2008 just does it anyway).
Will try the registry hack ASAP!