Hide most Windows Update notifications — via Microsoft Learn
Group Policymedium riskNeeds adminProEnterpriseEducationWindows 11Windows 10
A policy that silences Windows Update toasts — either everything except restart warnings, or everything including restart warnings. Updates still install; you just aren't nagged. Best for kiosks or PCs you check manually.
Takes effect right away
How to do it
- Open
gpedit.msc→ Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage end user experience → Display options for update notifications. - Set it to Enabled and choose 1 (keep restart warnings) or 2 (hide everything). To undo, set it back to Not Configured.
Group Policy
Open gpedit.msc (Pro, Enterprise and Education only) and go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience > Display options for update notifications (1 = turn off all except restart warnings, 2 = turn off all including restart warnings)
From Windows 11 22H2 there's also an Apply only during active hours checkbox, so notifications are only hidden during your working hours. Microsoft says option 2 makes a poor experience on personal PCs and recommends it only for kiosks.
Sources
- Manage device restarts after updates — Display options for update notifications — by Microsoft Learn
- Policy CSP - Update: UpdateNotificationLevel — by Microsoft Learn
- Source reviewed
- 2026-11-02
- Link checked
- 2026-11-02
- Tested hands-on
- Not by Oddbyte.Me
Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.