How to Stop Windows Update Asking to Update and Restart

Microsoft regularly releases patch updates to enhance your device’s performance and security. When you download this update, Windows often replaces the usual Shut Down and Restart buttons with “Update and shut down” to remind you not to miss the update.

However, you may sometimes encounter the same message prompting even after performing these actions. Read this guide to resolve this issue and stop getting such annoying notifications.

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1. Restart the Computer From Settings

If restarting your computer with the power button does not work, do it via the Settings Menu. This trick has worked for many users who encountered the same issue. Try it and see if that helps.

2. Install Pending Updates

If your computer keeps reminding you to update and shuts down, check for pending updates. It is possible that the updates were not installed properly and Windows is now asking you to complete them.

To check for pending updates, follow these steps.

photo of someone using windows 11 laptop

This will search for available updates and install them if there are any. If you see no updates, continue to the next solution.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows operating system comes with troubleshooting tools specific to each problem. To solve update-related issues, use the Windows Update troubleshooter. This tool detects corrupted, or faulty files associated with updates and fixes them automatically.

To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Opening the available troubleshooters in the Windows Settings app.

Follow the instructions on the screen to let Windows Update Troubleshooter detect and fix problems. After running the troubleshooter, restart your computer and check if it solves the issue.

4. Clear the Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder contains downloaded updates and installation files. If these files become corrupted, it could lead to this issue. To fix it, clear the Software Distribution directory and check if that solves the problem.

Now exit the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. After running these commands, check if the issue is solved.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter-1

5. Disable Windows Update

If you keep encountering the issue, disable the Windows Update service. This will stop Windows from automatically downloading updates and showing the message.

To disable Windows Update, follow these steps:

Clear SoftwareDistribution Folder

Sometimes you may not see the Restart option in the Start menu. In that case,run the command prompt as an administrator. Now typeshutdown -s -t 0in the command prompt and hit Enter. This will restart your computer immediately.

Here0is the time in seconds. If you want to delay the restart, use a higher number. For example, shutdown -s -t 10 will delay the restart by 10 seconds.

​​​​​After restarting, you should no longer see the “Update and Restart” or “Update and Shut Down” message.

6. Reset the Windows Update Components

If none of the solutions above work, reset Windows Update components. It deletes all the temporary download files and resets the registry keys containing information about Windows Update. This process also clears any corrupted files associated with updates and allows Windows to download the updates again.

To reset the Windows Update components, follow these steps:

The script will start resetting the Windows Update components and may take a few minutes to complete. Once done, restart your computer and this should solve the issue.

Resolving Incorrect Notifications for Updates and Restarts

Now that you know how to fix incorrect notifications for updates and restarts, you can avoid this issue in the future. verify Windows Update is configured correctly and reset components. Also, keep your computer updated with the latest security patches. Doing this will also ensure smooth system operation.

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