How to Enable or Disable Game Updates in Windows 7 and Vista "Games Explorer"
Information
This will show you how to enable or disable automatically checking for game updates and news in Windows 7 and Vista Games Explorer.
When enabled and turned on, you will be notified when game news or software updates are available.
OPTION ONE
To Turn Game Updates and News On or Off
NOTE: This option can be used by any user on the computer so long as updates are still enabled by default in either OPTION TWO or OPTION THREE below.
1. Open the Games Explorer, and click on the Options toobar button. (see screenshot below)
2. To Turn On Automatic Game Updates and News
NOTE: This is the default setting.A) Select (dot) the Automatically check online for updates and news, then notify me when they're available. option, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)
3. To Turn Off Automatic Game Updates and NewsA) Select (dot) the Never check online for updates; I'l ldo this manually option, then click on OK. (see screenshot above)
OPTION TWO
To Enable or Disable Game Updates Using a REG File Download
Note
- You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
- This option will enable or disable the ability of all users to be able to do OPTION ONE above.
- If disabled, the settings in OPTION ONE above will be grayed out for all users.
1. To Enable Automatic Game Updates and News
NOTE: This is the default setting.A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.Enable_Games_Explorer_Updates.reg
B) Go to step 3.
2. To Disable Automatic Game Updates and NewsA) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Games_Explorer_Updates.reg
3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.
4. Right click the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.
5. Click on Run, Yes (UAC-Windows 7) or Continue (UAC-Vista), Yes, and OK when prompted.
6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
OPTION THREE
To Enable or Disable Game Updates in Group Policy
Note
- You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this option.
- This option will enable or disable the ability of all users to be able to do OPTION ONE above.
- If disabled, the settings in OPTION ONE above will be grayed out for all users.
1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Game Explorer. (see screenshot below)
3. In the right pane, double click on Turn off game updates. (see screenshot above)
4. To Enable Automatic Game Updates and NewsA) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
B) Go to step 6.
5. To Disable Automatic Game Updates and NewsA) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
That's it,
Shawn
Games Explorer - Automatic Game Updates - Enable or Disable 
