In this article, we will discuss possible ways to disable Windows 10 automatic restart, especially after installing the update or on system failure. This will save you from annoyance and sudden data loss. Please note that the following tips are to disable Windows 10 automatic restart for future updates. If you have already installed Windows updates and want to disable the restart process, you may refer to the following article: Disable or Bypass Pending Updates On Restart/Shutdown In Windows 10
Disable Automatic Restart Using Group Policy Editor
There are two ways to prevent automatic restart of the computer using the Group Policy Editor.
Disable Automatic Restart Using Group Policy Editor Enable the Configure Automatic Updates Policy Enable the No Auto-Restart Policy Disable Automatic Restart Using Registry Editor Disable Automatic Restart using the Task Scheduler Stop Automatic Restart on System Failure (BSOD)
By configuring the automatic updates policyBy configuring the No Auto-Restart Policy
We will discuss both ways here.
Enable the Configure Automatic Updates Policy
Enable the No Auto-Restart Policy
Now, your computer won’t restart automatically and the Windows updates will be enforced when you reboot it manually. This means that the group policy we had previously enabled has been applied. You may now click Check for Updates, and the updates will be installed, but will only apply when you click Install Now.
Disable Automatic Restart Using Registry Editor
You can also prevent your Windows PC from rebooting automatically through the Registry editor. Adopting this method will ensure that the computer doesn’t restart as long as a user is logged in. Note: Misconfiguration of critical values in the system’s registry could be fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we insist that you create a system restore point before proceeding forward with the process. This will disable automatic Windows 10 restart when a user is logged on to the computer.
Disable Automatic Restart using the Task Scheduler
By default, Windows 10 is bound to reboot after it has downloaded and installed Windows updates. This is a task that is already scheduled in the Task Scheduler. This utility is used to perform a series of tasks in a routine, or if they are triggered by an event. This method is especially useful for Windows 10 Home users who don’t have a Group Policy editor on their systems. Learn how to install gpedit.msc in Windows 10 Home. By performing the above steps, the computer will not restart without your input.
Stop Automatic Restart on System Failure (BSOD)
Follow these steps to stop automatic restart if there is a critical system failure or if the system encounters a Blue Screen of Death. Now your computer will not reboot even if it fails entirely, and you will likely not see a Blue Screen of Death. However, we do not recommend that you do this since the BSoD is there to prevent permanent damage to your system. You can also open Advanced System Properties by going to Windows Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings. This stops the computer to restart on system failure. How many times have you been drawn back by the automatic restart feature in Windows 10?
