Don't Reboot 11 is a deterministic, user-authoritative reboot permission layer for Windows 11. It blocks automatic update reboots while letting you pause updates through official organization policy controls—and turn those controls off again from the system tray.
-
Reboot gatekeeper (always on while running)
UsesBlockAutomaticRebootAsync(WinRT) with a 60-second watchdog so Windows cannot restart without your consent. -
Organization update control (tray toggle)
Applies Microsoft-supported policies underHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate:- Pause feature and quality updates (up to 35 days)
- Defer updates (35 / 30 days)
NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsersAUOptions = 3(download automatically, notify before install)
It deliberately does not set compliance deadline policies (
ConfigureDeadlineFor*), which cause "completed at a time selected by your organisation" and grey out Download & install. -
Restore control
Restore Windows Update control removes Don't Reboot 11 policies, clears the Windows UpdateGPCache, and runsgpupdateso Settings returns to normal.
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Pause Windows Update (Organization control) | Toggle pause/defer policies on or off |
| Restore Windows Update control | Emergency cleanup if updates stay locked |
| Start with Windows | Autostart |
| Exit | Quit the app |
- Run
dontreboot11.exeas Administrator. - Right-click the tray icon → Restore Windows Update control.
- Uncheck Pause Windows Update if it is still checked.
- Open Settings → Windows Update — Download & install should be enabled again.
Stale policy can also live in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\GPCache; the restore action deletes that tree.
From x64 Native Tools Command Prompt for VS:
build.batOr open dontreboot11.sln in Visual Studio (requires Administrator manifest).
- Windows 11 Pro or higher (policy registry paths)
- Run as Administrator
Clean control for mission-critical sessions—pause updates when you need to, restore control when you don't.