Disable restart after update prompt for server 2008 R2

As an IT administrator, one of the most important tasks you have is to ensure that all of your Windows Server 2008 R2 systems remain up to date. Windows Server 2008 R2 has a feature that will prompt you to restart your server after a system update has been installed. While this feature is helpful in ensuring the update has been applied, it can be disruptive and inconvenient if you need to keep your server running continuously. Fortunately, there is a way to disable this restart prompt and ensure your server stays up and running.

The first step is to open the registry editor by typing “regedit” into the Run box (or press Windows Key+R). Once the registry editor is open, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate

If the WindowsUpdate key does not exist, create it by right-clicking on the Windows key and selecting New > Key. Name the new key “WindowsUpdate”.

Now, right-click on the WindowsUpdate key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value “NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers”. Double-click on the new value and set its value data to “1”.

Now that you have enabled the setting, the system will no longer prompt you to restart after an update has been installed. It is important to note that this setting does not prevent the system from automatically restarting after an update. If you need to prevent automatic restarts, you will need to configure a separate setting.

To do this, create another new DWORD (32-bit) Value in the WindowsUpdate key and name it “DisableAutoRestart”. Double-click on the new value and set its value data to “1”. This setting will prevent your system from automatically restarting after an update has been installed.

Once you have completed the above steps, your Windows Server 2008 R2 system will no longer prompt you to restart after an update has been installed. It is important to note that this setting does not prevent the system from automatically restarting after an update. If you need to prevent automatic restarts, you will need to configure a separate setting as outlined above. Additionally, it is always a good idea to monitor the system for any unexpected restarts after an update has been installed.