Edit

WSUS client computers restart automatically without any notification when updates are installed on the client computers

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This article provides a solution to an issue in which Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) client computers restart automatically without any notification when updates are installed on the client computers.

Original product version:   Windows Server Update Services
Original KB number:   931265

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You use a Microsoft Windows Server Update Services server to deploy updates on WSUS client computers.
  • A time deadline is set on the WSUS server for the updates to be installed on the WSUS client computers.
  • The updates are installed on the WSUS client computers when the time deadline expires that is set on the WSUS server.

In this scenario, the WSUS client computers restart automatically without any notification even though the WSUS client computers are configured not to restart automatically without a notification.

Cause

This issue occurs because the updates that are deployed on the WSUS client computers require that Windows Installer 3.1 is present on the WSUS client computers.

If Windows Installer 3.1 is not present on the WSUS client computers, Windows Installer 3.1 is downloaded from the WSUS server and installed on the WSUS client computers, regardless of the WSUS server approval status.

Installation of Windows Installer 3.1 on the WSUS client computers causes the WSUS client computers to restart because a restart is required for Windows Installer 3.1 to function correctly.

Resolution

Warning

Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. Make sure that you back up the registry before you modify it. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps on the WSUS client computers:

  1. Select Start, select Run, type regedit, and then select OK.

  2. Locate and then select the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU

  3. In the details pane, right-click NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers, and then select Modify.

  4. Type 1 in the Value data box, and then select OK.

  5. Exit Registry Editor.

  6. Restart the WSUS client computers.