Windows 7 unlike XP does not provide option not to install update immediately after shutdown. It is very frustrating when one wants to use the computer not long after but the installation process takes so long. I checked the Local Group Policy Editor - User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components - Windows Update option. It was not configured. It says by default that "If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option will be available in the Shut Down Windows dialog box if updates are available when the user selects the Shut Down option in the Start menu." However I don't see this option when Windows 7 is to be shut down.

However I don't see this option when Windows 7 is to be shut down. By ALT+F4 you have the choice whether to "install updates and shut down" oder just "shut down". lg Marcello

Thanks a lot. Since I can't test it until such circumstances happen next time, could you please clarify when to press Alt+F4 and what to expect? It would be good if you can tell me how to create such circumstances for testing. Unlike XP, I don't usually know the update happens until after I actually shut the system down.

If all applications are closed ALT+F4 brings up the classic shutdown dialog. If a windows update is pending or waiting for a restart you'll see an exclamation mark (shield) in systray or on shutdown button. Press ALT+F4: http://www.conetrix.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=windows-updates-shutdown.png lg Marcello

It looks like I have to close all the applications and press Alt+F4 from now onwards for shutting down the system. What a hassle? I wish Windows 7 like XP will always bring up the window you mention when the system is to be shut down. It is a retrogressive design, isn't it?

It looks like I have to close all the applications and press Alt+F4 from now onwards for shutting down the system. What a hassle? No. You may also press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. And you will see in the bottom right corner a corresponding option. http://download.windowssecrets.com/images/wsn/W20090305-Win7-Shutdown-2.gif lg Marcello

I've just tried it but I didn't see the image as per your link. What I could see in the middle were as follows. ->Lock this computer ->Switch User ->Log off ->Change a password ->Start Task Manager

Sorry, bottom RIGHT corner. (I've corrected it right now.) I've just tried it but I didn't see the image as per your link. And there are some updates pending?? lg Marcello btw: there are group policies that allow you to configure the update/shutdown behavior: e.g. User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update "Do not adjust default option to "Install Updates and Shut Down" in shut down windows dialog box" [Enabled] http://faultbucket.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/shutdown-2.png

According to the given image, it seems to me I would get to see the option of "Install updates and shut down" if I left-click on the right-pointing arrow next to the "Shut down" button when there is update available to be installed. Am I right? The below explanation from the Local Group Policy Editor is not very clear. Does it mean if I left-click on the "Shut down" button it would simply do whatever it did last time? It would hibernate or restart even I want it to shut down when I left-click on the "Shut down" button. If this is the case, it doesn't seem to be a good option because what was appropriate last time might not be necessarily appropriate this time. Please clarify! It would be good if it simply disables "Install updates and shut down". If you enable this policy setting, the user's last shut down choice (Hibernate, Restart, etc.) is the default option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box, regardless of whether the 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option is available in the 'What do you want the computer to do?' list.

According to the given image, it seems to me I would get to see the option of "Install updates and shut down" if I left-click on the right-pointing arrow next to the "Shut down" button when there is update available to be installed. Am I right? Right. If this is the case, it doesn't seem to be a good option because what was appropriate last time might not be necessarily appropriate this time. I was just trying to show you some options. Maybe you find a solution that fits your needs by some additional group policy. (e.g. Do not display 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option in Shut Down Windows dialog box ) lg Marcello

Thanks again. I will enable the "Do not adjust default option to 'Install Updates and Shut Down' in Shut Down Windows dialog box" to try it.

Hi, I always had problems with the updates, too. That's why i eventually disabled the automatic updates and started to use wuinstall. It is a tool that makes it very easy to manage your updates and you can decide on things like when you want to search for updates if you want to install them and if you want a restart or not. If you take a look at their homepage you will find a list with all available comments: http://wuinstall.com I hope this helps, best regards.

Thanks a lot. I have downloaded the free version and I shall try it out.