Disabling Automatic Restarts on Windows Server 2019

Disabling Automatic Restarts for Windows Server 2019

Windows updates are essential for maintaining the security and stability of your Windows Server 2019. However, automatic restarts resulting from these updates can be inconvenient, especially if they occur during crucial business hours. This article will guide you on how to disable automatic restarts for Windows Server 2019 and ensure that you, the administrator, are in control.

Understanding Windows Updates and Restarts

Microsoft releases regular updates for its Windows Server 2019, including security patches, bug fixes, and new features. By default, these updates are installed automatically, and the system may restart to apply them.

Adverse Effects of Automatic Restarts

Automatic restarts can interrupt critical processes, cause data loss, and affect user experience negatively. Disabling automatic restarts helps maintain business continuity and ensures that the system only restarts at a convenient time for the administrator.

Disabling Automatic Restarts for Updates

You can disable automatic restarts for updates in Windows Server 2019 using the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.

Using the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to configure various settings for your Windows Server 2019. Follow these steps to disable automatic restarts using the Group Policy Editor:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
4. Set the No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations policy to Enabled.

After enabling this policy, Windows Server 2019 will no longer automatically restart during scheduled update installations when users are logged on.

Using the Registry Editor

You can also use the Registry Editor to disable automatic restarts for updates in Windows Server 2019. Follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU.
4. If the AU key does not exist, create it by right-clicking on WindowsUpdate and selecting New > Key.
5. Create a new DWORD value called NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers and set it to 1 to disable automatic restarts during scheduled update installations when users are logged on.

Manual Restart After Updates

Disabling automatic restarts does not mean you can ignore updates. Instead, it shifts the responsibility to the administrator to manually restart the system when it is convenient. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Install available updates.
3. Schedule a restart when it is convenient for your organization.

• Windows Server 2019 performs automatic restarts after updates by default, which can be inconvenient for administrators.

• Disabling automatic restarts for updates can be done using the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.

• Following the steps outlined in this article, administrators can maintain control over restarting the system and ensure business continuity.

References

• Microsoft. (2023). Configure Automatic Updates. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-configure-automatic-updates

• Microsoft. (2023). No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn789198(v=ws.11)