Every time Microsoft performs an update it forces you to restart the computer, which can hamper your workflow. If the “automatic restart” feature is something you don’t like, there’s good news. You can turn it off, though you’ll have to jump through hoops to get the job done.

Basically, there are two ways to stop Windows from automatically restarting after an update. One is easier, but it doesn’t disable automatic restarts altogether. The other method completely disables automatic restart, but is a little complicated. I have listed step-by-step instructions for both, so you can pick the method that’s more to your liking.

Change your computer’s active hours

Microsoft Support defines “active hours” as times you usually use your device. The OS uses this information to ensure it doesn’t bother you with restarts when you are working.

Your device tracks the times you actively use your computer and then adjusts the active hours accordingly. Although Microsoft tries to schedule the active hours according to your work pattern, the default setting can sometimes be inaccurate. A more effective way to minimize the risk of inconvenient restarts is by setting active hours manually.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Type settings in the Search bar in the taskbar and hit Enter
• Click Windows Updates in the left-side pane and then click Advanced options in the right-side pane
• Click Active hours and then select Manually in the drop-down menu
• Set the Start time and End time

Active hours on Windows can be set to a max of 18 hours, so it might be a good idea to select the start time around the time you usually start work and end time as 18 hours from that time.

Keep in mind your active hours setting is not sacrosanct. Microsoft can, and sometimes does, override it. This can happen due to a bug or if updates are deemed critical. For this reason, I recommend you toggle on the “Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating” option. This way you will receive a prior notice and be able to save your work if your system needs to reboot during the set active hours.

But what if you keep your device always on and don’t want it to reboot at all? In that case, the second option is a better fit.

Disable Auto Restart Using the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool that allows users to manage and configure settings on their computers. By default, the Group Policy Editor is only available in the Pro, Enterprise, and Server editions of Windows, not in the Home version. However, it’s possible to get it to work on Windows Home edition by completing a few simple steps.

If you have a Home edition, use the steps below to activate the Group Policy Editor. Pro users can skip this section and directly move to the next one.

• Type command prompt in the Search bar in the taskbar, right-click the app, and select Run as administrator
• Copy and paste the code listed below in Command Prompt and hit Enter

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

• Wait for the code to be executed. Once that happens, paste this code and hit Enter

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

Wait until installation is complete. You should now be able to access Group Policy Editor

Steps to disable auto-restart via the Group Policy Editor

Here’s what to do:

• Press Win+R keys to launch the Run dialog box
• Type gpedit.msc and press the OK button

• Expand Computer Configuration and then select Administrative Templates

• In the right-side pane, double-click Windows Components

• Locate and double-click Windows Update in the right-side pane

• Double-click Legacy Policies

• Select No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
• Now click Edit policy setting

• Select Enabled

• Click Apply and then OK

That’s about it. Now whenever Windows install a new update, you’ll receive a notification that it needs to reboot the device. However, Windows OS will not reboot the system automatically.

Talking about updates, system updates aren’t the only one that are important. Driver updates are necessary as well. While Windows Update can include driver updates for installed devices, the best way to update device drivers is by using a reliable third-party tool. We recommend you give Driver Updater a try. It is not only super-accurate and fast, but also updates drivers with just a single click.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

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