Java–Disable Auto Update Check
For a while now I have been being annoyed by Java pestering me to update. Each time I went to the app in the system tray and unchecked the “Check for Updates Automatically” box. However, if you immediately went back into the app, the checkbox was still checked. Highly annoying.
I came across a forum post that answers the issue. Basically it is poor programing from Sun. In order for the setting to actually be set, the Java Control Panel has to run with Admin rights. Instead of the app prompting to elevate, it just fails to set the setting. Come on Sun…figure out how to work with a modern operating system. This has been part of the security model since Vista…and you still don’t have it figured out with Windows 8 being deployed? Get with the program!
To fix this, you will need to open the Java Control Panel with admin rights. First, locate javacpl.exe at one of the following locations:
- c:\Program Files\Java\jre<versionnumber>\bin\javacpl.exe
- c:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre<versionnumber>\bin\javacpl.exe
Right click javacpl.exe and choose “Run as administrator”:
Go to the “Update” tab, and clear the “Check for Updates Automatically” checkbox.
The setting will actually take effect this time!
You could also set the following registry keys (the 2nd Line should be enough,3 and 4 are just cause I’m paranoid)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Update\Policy]
“EnableJavaUpdate”=dword:00000000
“NotifyDownload”=dword:00000000
“NotifyInstall”=dword:00000000
Terry, I do the same thing with all my boxes that I manage.