Enable or Disable Game Updates in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8

   Information
This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable automatically checking for game updates and news in Games Explorerin Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

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/tap on the Options toolbar button. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Automatic Game Updates - Enable or Disable-step1.jpg
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/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Automatic Game Updates - Enable or Disable-step2a.jpg
3. To Turn Off Automatic Game Updates and News
A) Select (dot) the Never check online for updates; I'll do this manually option, then click/tap 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/tap 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 News
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below.
Disable_Games_Explorer_Updates.reg
3. Save, and save the .reg file to your desktop.

4. Double click/tap the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC-Windows 7/8) 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.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Game Explorer. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Automatic Game Updates - Enable or Disable-gpedit-1a.jpg
3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Turn off game updates. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Automatic Game Updates and News
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 Automatic Game Updates and News
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
Games Explorer - Automatic Game Updates - Enable or Disable-gpedit-2a.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.


That's it,
Shawn