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Background

I have a Windows 8 64bit computer that frequently runs overnight data processing batches. To prevent that work from being interrupted, I set Windows Update to

Download updates but let me choose whether to install them

This morning I found that the computer had rebooted. A brief message flashed up in the system tray stating that Windows had been rebooted to complete an update or something to that affect. However, the notification did not remain in the system tray.

Checking the update history:

Windows Update -> View update history

and sorting by Date installed, the newest update is supposedly 11/16/2012 (today is 1/9/2013). However, if I click on the Installed Updates link on that tab, I end up on

Programs and Features -> Installed Updates

which shows an update on 12/13/12 (inconsistent with the previous dialog).

Questions

Is there some class of updates (e.g. critical security issues) that Microsoft forces to be installed, in spite of update preferences? If so, is there any way to prevent an automatic reboot?

Is there a known issue recording updates properly?

Eric J.
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1 Answers1

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You can disable the Windows Update services:

  • press windows key - R to bring up a run dialog
  • type services.msc, hit enter
  • From the list, choose windows update
  • If running, right click and choose 'stop'
  • Right click and choose properties, from 'startup type' dropdown, choose 'disabled' (Disabled, not Manual)

I ran into a server running SBS2008 instead of server 2008, the WSUS services were broken causing it to install all updates and restart every Tuesday, despite the settings. Changing this provided us with a temporary band-aid solution, and it definitely prevented all updates from installing.

When you want to install updates, change the startup type to manual and install updates.

Logan Bissonnette
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