How to stop Windows Update ignoring settings and restarting overnight

I'm having a similar problem. It isn't exactly on point, but it relates to being unable to stop auto updates.

After installing an update, my computer won't start- it gets to the login screen, but the camera won't turn on to face-recognize, and when I try to enter the PIN the screen goes black. Computer basically bricks, except that I can force a shut down.

I've tried restarting in autorepair, which wasn't able to diagnose the problem, just told me the obvious: the computer won't start properly. I tried uninstalling the update in autorepair, then trying to reboot in safe mode, but no matter how I try restarting, the updates start installing before it fully boots. I can't figure out how to start the computer without the updates that broke it beginning to install, so I can't do any of the suggested options to turn off auto update, because I can't get to the desktop.

Since Microsoft is only providing bot replies, I guess I'll have to reset the computer.

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

To stop Windows 11 from automatically updating and restarting overnight, you can follow several methods:

Method 1: Using Services

1. Open Services:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Disable Windows Update Service:
   • Scroll down to find Windows Update.
   • Right-click on it and select Properties.
   • In the Generaltab, set the Startup type to Disabled.
   • Click Stopif the service is running, then click Applyand OK.
3. Disable Windows Update Medic Service:
   • In the Services window, find Windows Update Medic Service (WaaSMedicSVC).
   • Right-click on it and select Properties.
   • Set the Startup type to Disabledand click Stopif it is running.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education)

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Windows Update Settings:
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
3. Configure Automatic Updates:
   • Find and double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
   • Select Disabled, then click Applyand OK.
4. Disable Auto-Restart Notifications:
   • In the same Windows Update section, find Turn off auto-restart notifications for update installations.
   • Double-click it, select Enabled, then click Applyand OK.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type regeditand press Enter.
2. Navigate to Windows Update Settings:
   • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
3. Create Necessary Keys:
   • Right-click on Windows, select New> Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
   • Right-click on WindowsUpdate, select New> Key, and name it AU.
4. Create DWORD Value:
   • Right-click on AU, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers.
   • Double-click on NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsersand set its value to 1.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Search for cmdin the Windows search bar.
   • Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. Disable Windows Update Service:
   • Type sc config wuauserv start= disabled and press Enter.

Method 5: Using Task Scheduler

1. Open Task Scheduler:
   • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type taskschd.msc and press Enter.
2. Disable Reboot Task:
   • Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > UpdateOrchestrator.
   • Find the Reboottask, right-click on it, and select Disable.

Additional Tips

• Pause Updates: You can pause updates for up to 35 days. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Pause updates for 7 days. You can extend this period by selecting Advanced options and choosing a date under Pause until.
• Set Active Hours: Set your active hours to the maximum allowed time to reduce the chances of an automatic restart during your working hours. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or if you need further assistance.

I apologize that the previous methods did not work for you. Here are some additional steps you could try:

Method 1: Disabling Windows Update Using a Third-Party Tool

O&O ShutUp10++ and Wu10Man are compatible with Windows 11. These tools provide an interface to manage and disable Windows Update features more effectively.

• O&O ShutUp10++:
  • Download and run the tool.
  • It provides settings specifically for Windows 11, allowing you to disable updates and other telemetry options.
  • Apply recommended settings for disabling Windows updates.

Method 2: Network Settings

Setting your network connection to Metered works in Windows 11 as well.

1. Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Select your network and toggle on Set as metered connection.

This will limit Windows Update from automatically downloading updates over this network.

Method 3: Local Security Policy

If you have access to Local Security Policy editor, you can create software restriction policies.

1. Open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc).
2. Navigate to Software Restriction Policies.
3. Create new policies if not present.
4. Add a new Path Rule:
   • Path: C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
   • Security level: Disallowed

Additional Method: Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Home

For users with Windows 11 Home, enabling Group Policy Editor can be done through various methods found online, but it's not officially supported. However, there are scripts available that can install the Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Home, allowing more granular control over updates.

Using "Windows Update Blocker"

Another tool specifically designed to block Windows Updates:

• Windows Update Blocker: This small utility allows you to disable Windows updates completely with a simple interface.

Please try these additional steps and let me know if they help resolve your issue!