Windows 7: Shut Down Windows - Enable or Disable "Install Updates and Shut Down"

   Information

This will show you how to enable or disable the Install Updates and Shut Down shield on the Start Menu "Shut Down" power button and option in the ALT+F4 Shut Down Windows dialog box for users in Windows 7 when important or critical Windows Updates are available for installation.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

   Note

If you disable 'Install Updates and Shut Down', it will not appear as a choice in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and Start Menu power button (alert shield on Shut Down button), even if important or critical Windows Updates are available for installation.

If you enable 'Install Updates and Shut Down', it will override and display as the default option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and Start Menu power button (alert shield on Shut Down button) when important or critical Windows Updates are available.

   Warning

If you have the Windows Update settings set to Never check for updates, then the "Install Updates and Shut Down" option will not display no matter what this policy is set to.

OPTION ONE

Enable or Disable "Install Updates and Shut Down" using a REG File Download

1. To Enable "Install Updates and Shut Down" Option
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Enable_Install-Updates-and-Shut-Down_Option.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable "Install Updates and Shut Down" Option

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Disable_Install-Updates-and-Shut-Down_Option.reg

3. Save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Enable or Disable "Install Updates and Shut Down" in Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Windows Updates. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane of Windows Updates, right click on Do not display 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option in Shut Down Windows dialog box and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable "Install Updates and Shut Down" Option

A) 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 "Install Updates and Shut Down" Option

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.