How to disable update restart notifications on Windows 10
Got enough of those Windows 10 notifications asking to reboot to apply updates? In this guide, we’ll show you two ways to get rid of these reminders.
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On Windows 10,updatesdownload and install automatically periodically to maintain your device with the latest security patches and improvements. The only caveat is that most updates require a system restart to complete the installation, and to make sure they are installed in a timely matter,Windows 10will show you different notifications informing you that a reboot is needed.
For instance, when your computer requires a restart to finish updating, you’ll see a Windows Update and shut down icons with an orange indicator. Also, the system will push toast notifications to give you a heads up and options to snooze, configure a schedule, or restart immediately.
Although these reminders can be useful, they can also add unnecessary distractions that can break your workflow (especially for tech-savvy users who proactively install updates manually). If you don’t want to receive notifications when a restart is required to apply updates, Windows 10 includes at least two ways to disable this feature using the Windows Update settings or the Local Group Policy Editor.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to disable the reminders and warnings to restart your device to finish applying updates.
How to disable Windows Update restart notifications using Settings
To stop receiving warnings to auto-restart to complete applying updates, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you’ll no longer see the pop dialog notification to restart your computer to finish applying updates.
How to disable Windows Update restart notifications using Group Policy
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro, you can also disable notifications when your device needs to reboot to complete setting up updates using the Local Group Policy Editor.
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To disable the auto-restart notification policy for update installations, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will no longer push alerts regarding auto restarts for update installations. Also, when enabling this policy, it will disable theShow a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updatingandRestart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install an updateoptions in the “Advanced options” for Windows Update.
If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but onstep No. 5, select theNot configuredoption.
Although these steps will stop the update restart notifications, these will not prevent the system from eventually rebooting automatically. If you want to avoid sudden restarts, you shouldconfigure active hoursor schedule a custom reboot to gracefully restart when you’re not actively using the computer.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
