Prevents users from connecting to the Windows Update Web site.

This setting blocks user access to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Also, the setting removes the Windows Update hyperlink from the Start menu and from the Tools menu in Internet Explorer.

Windows Update, the online extension of Windows, offers software updates to keep a user’s system up-to-date. The Windows Update Product Catalog determines any system files, security fixes, and Microsoft updates that users need and shows the newest versions available for download.

Remove Access to Windows Update

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu’s search box and then press Enter.

   Note: This guide shows you how to make changes to Windows 7 using Group Policy. Group Policy is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.

2. Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and then select Start Menu and Taskbar in the left column of the Group Policy editor.

   ^[1]

3. Double-click Remove links and access to Windows Update in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor.
4. Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes.

   ^[2]