Manually re-enable Windows automatic updates

This article describes how to manually re-enable Windows automatic updates in case they’ve been disabled on the device or via an Atera automation profile. You also have the option to use Configuration policies to enable automatic local Windows updates, please refer to this article for more details.

Important note: Please be aware that based on the Windows version you are using, the following article might not be relevant. Certain folders within the Edit Group Policy are placed in a different section based on the OS.

Re-enable Automatic Windows Updates

1. On the device, open Edit Group Policy.

The Local Group Policy Editor window appears.

2. From the Computer Configuration directory, select Administrative Templates.

3. Then select Windows Components.

4. Select Windows Update.

5. Select Configure Automatic Updates.

The Configure Automatic Updates window appears.

6. Select ‘Enabled’ then click Apply.

Windows automatic updates are now enabled. However, there is one more step to ensure you reinstate your access to the Windows Update feature.

Note: The Windows registry doesn’t update the group policy configuration so the status may still show as ‘Not configured’. Despite this, Windows automatic updates are in fact enabled. 

7. Click on Remove Access to use all Windows Update Features.

8. Ensure this feature is set to ‘Disabled’. If not, select Disabled and click Apply.