Prevent Windows Update From Automatically Restarting Your PC

Windows Update’s automatic reboot can be one of the most annoying “features” in Microsoft operating systems. While it’s a bit less pushy with Windows Vista and 7, allowing users to postpone the restart for up to four hours, you may not be at the computer to intercept the first or subsequent notifications.

Windows 7: Start > search for gpedit.msc. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and enable “No auto-restart for scheduled Automatic Updates installations”.

Thanks to Matthew DeCarlo