Remove links and access to Windows Update

Supported OS tags: Windows2000, Windows7, Windows8, Windows81, WindowsRT, WindowsRT81, WindowsServer2003, WindowsServer2008, WindowsServer2012, WindowsServer2012R2, WindowsVista, WindowsXP

This policy setting allows you to remove links and access to Windows Update. If you enable this policy setting, users are prevented from connecting to the Windows Update Web site. Enabling this policy setting blocks user access to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Also, the policy 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. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the Windows Update hyperlink is available from the Start menu and from the Tools menu in Internet Explorer. Also, see the "Hide the "Add programs from Microsoft" option" policy setting.

This policy has no additional user input fields.

• User
  Add "Run in Separate Memory Space" check box to Run dialog box

  At least Windows 2000
• User
  Add Logoff to the Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000
• User
  Add Search Internet link to Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
• User
  Add the Run command to the Start Menu

  Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
• User
  Change Start Menu power button

  Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
• User
  Clear history of recently opened documents on exit

  At least Windows 2000
• User
  Clear the recent programs list for new users

  Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows 10