After installing updates for your computer, a restart is normally required before the changes are made. You can choose between:
Restart Now
Restart later.
If you don't want to restart your PC, Windows will keep reminding you about it (popup messages) and in some situations it will restart your PC automatically (without your consent). Here's a temporary solution for Windows XP users:
After installing the updates, click on Restart later .
. Click on Start/Run
Type in the dialog box net stop wuauserv
Confirm by clicking OK.
The "Automatic Updates" service will stop and Windows won't restart during the current session
Note that: This service will run automatically when you restart the computer and you will need to repeat the procedure after each update.
You can create a shortcut on the desktop to stop the service:
Click New > Shortcut
A dialog box opens. Type net stop wuauserv and press next.
Give a name to the shortcut.
The following tip explains how to avoid the automatic reboot of your PC after a major update via Windows Update.
