Disable the automatic restart after Windows update

Having your operating system updated with the latest security patches Windows releases is always a good thing. The problem comes when the update is done and Windows politely asks you to restart the PC… or maybe not that politely.

This is in fact the message you get: a window that compels you to restart the system, either right now or in five minutes, after a dreary countdown is finished. Even worse, if you select the “Restart later” option, the window appears again after a short while disturbing you with the same boring message. But what if you don’t want to restart now, nor in five minutes? Say you’re in the middle of an important work project, or you’re downloading a 2 GB file, or you’re simply not in the mood of a system restart in that moment. Is there a way round this message?

Luckily there is! Whenever you get this window after a Windows update, all you have to do is click on the Start button, select the Run… option and write sc stop wuauserv. The window will disappear and won’t bother you again. Just remember to restart your system whenever you have some spare time – no pressure at all.

Thanks to OnSoftware Spain for this tip!