Windows 7 - Shut Down Windows - Change "Install Updates and Shut Down" as Default

   Information

This will show you how to manage whether the Install Updates and Shut Down option is allowed to be the default choice in the ALT+F4 Shut Down Windows dialog and Start Menu "Shut Down" power button with alert shield icon 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 enable this policy setting, the user's last shut down choice (Hibernate, Restart, etc.) setting is the default option in the "Shut Down Windows" dialog box, regardless of whether the 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option is available in the 'What do you want the computer to do?' list. The alert shield on the Shut Down Start Menu power button will no longer display on it, even if important or critical Windows Updates are available for installation.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option will be 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 for installation.

   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.

If you have the "Install Updates and Shut Down" option disabled, then the policy setting in this tutorial will be overridden and have no impact.

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

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

Make_Install-Updates-and-Shut-Down_Default.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Not Allow "Install Updates and Shut Down" as Default Option

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

Make_Install-Updates-and-Shut-Down_NOT_Default.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.

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 Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)

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

4. To Allow "Install Updates and Shut Down" as Default 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 Not Allow "Install Updates and Shut Down" as Default 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.