Stop Automatic Updates and Restarts on Windows Server 2016

Why change it

Windows Update brings security fixes and new features. But it can also restart a server in the middle of your work. A server should restart when you decide. On Windows Server 2016 you can set updates to download only, or to be fully manual.

Steps

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator. Search for cmd or powershell in the Start menu, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
2. Run the server configuration tool:

sconfig

1. Type 5 and press Enter to open Windows Update Settings.
2. Choose a mode:
   - D for Download Only. Windows downloads updates, but does not install them until you start the install.
   - M for Manual. Windows does not check, download or install anything. You do it yourself.
   - (A is Automatic and installs updates by itself.)
3. Click OK in the dialog box that appears.

Install updates by hand

When you are ready, run sconfig again. Choose 6 (Download and Install Updates), pick All updates, and restart when you can.

Other ways

• Group Policy. Open gpedit.msc, then go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Update. Open Configure Automatic Updates. Choose "2 - Notify for download and auto install" or "Disabled". Also enable No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations.
• Active hours. Set the hours when Windows must not restart.

Quick recap

• sconfig, option 5, then D or M.
• Install updates yourself at a quiet time.
• Never leave a server without updates for long.