Install Updates and then Shut Down Computer

Some critical security updates in Windows 7 (and Windows Vista) will force you to install them by removing the Shutdown button and adding Install Updates and then Shut Down computer. With this registry tweak you can make sure that the Shutdown button will always appear:

To start the registry editor, type regedit in the Start menu search text box and press enter.

You need to add the key \WindowsUpdate\AU under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\ and create the REG_DWORD NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption with a value of 1.

  • Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • Key: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
  • DWORD Name: NoAUAsDefaultShutdownOption
  • DWORD Value: 1

Although, I do recommend to install critical updates as soon as they become available but there are instances when you need to test these against a test setup or a quick shutdown is required during storms or planned mains power cut!

A word of caution – incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. The above modifications are intended for Windows advanced users who are familiar with the registry editor. Users are also reminded to take a backup of the registry before making any critical changes.

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