The one thing I really hate about automatic Windows updates are the ones that require you to reboot and pester you with that annoying popup asking if you want to reboot now or later. Clicking Later only delays the inevitable and sure enough, you’ll see that popup a few minutes later asking you the same question.

Now what makes Windows think that if I clicked Later before that in just a few short minutes after, I’d change my mind? Why not trust that I will reboot when I’m good and ready?

I always wondered if there was a way to disable this, and while I didn’t find a direct solution, this little application is pretty much the next best thing and is good enough in my books.

Shutdown Guard pretty much does exactly what it says. It “guards” your Windows from being rebooted, shutdown or even logged off.

Any time one of those actions is attempted, Shutdown Guard will prevent it, and then pop up a little balloon in the task tray allowing you to continue the action if you want. Obviously ignoring the notification let’s you work on without any further disruption.

Compatible with Windows Vista as well, except the confirmation is much more in your face as shown in the developer’s wiki entry.