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Dear PC Doctor,
My new Windows 8 computer automatically reboots after it installs updates. It doesn't take that long to reboot but sometimes I'm in the middle of something when it decides to reboot and it's really annoying. Is there a way to turn off the auto-reboot?
Dave
Dear Dave,
Unfortunately, there isn't an easy setting to change to turn off auto-reboot. There is a way however and while it's not overly complicated, it might be a confusing process if you don't follow the instructions exactly.
On your keyboard hold down the Windows Key and press R. This will open the Run box. Type in “regedit” and press Enter. This will open your Registry Editor. In the list on the left side double click the folder labeled “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” then double click the folder named “SOFTWARE” that appears below HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Below that, double click the “Policies” folder, then inside that, double click the “Microsoft” folder, then inside that double click the “WindowsUpdate” folder, then finally inside that double click the “AU” folder.
The right side of the window will display the contents of “AU”. Right click inside the right side area and then mouse over “New >” and select “DWORD (32-bit) Value” from the list. This will create a new value in the list. Double click the New Value #1. Name it “NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers“ and give it a value data of 1 and make sure the Hexadecimal radio button is filled. Click OK, close all the windows that are left open and reboot your computer.
Good luck! PC Doctor
Until next time.. happy computing!
Posted: to Athol Library News on Mon, Jul 1, 2013
Updated: Mon, Jul 1, 2013