How to Delay or Cancel the SCCM Client Reboot (2026)

When SCCM deploys software updates or applications that require a reboot, it can force a restart at inconvenient times. This guide covers how to delay, cancel or suppress the SCCM client reboot using PowerShell in 2026.

Check if a Reboot is Pending

$reboot = Invoke-WmiMethod -Namespace rootccmClientSDK -Class CCM_ClientUtilities -Name DetermineIfRebootPending
if($reboot.RebootPending) { Write-Host "Reboot PENDING" -ForegroundColor Red } else { Write-Host "No reboot pending" -ForegroundColor Green }

Cancel a Pending SCCM Reboot

# Cancel pending SCCM reboot - run as Administrator
Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftSMSMobile ClientReboot ManagementRebootData" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftSMSMobile ClientUpdates ManagementHandlerUpdates Reboot Status*" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Remove-ItemProperty -Name * -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateAuto UpdateRebootRequired" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Restart-Service -Name CcmExec -Force
Write-Host "SCCM reboot flags cleared"

Clear Reboot on Multiple Machines Remotely

$computers = @("PC001","PC002","PC003")
foreach($computer in $computers) {
    Invoke-Command -ComputerName $computer -ScriptBlock {
        Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftSMSMobile ClientReboot ManagementRebootData" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        Remove-ItemProperty -Name * -Path "HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateAuto UpdateRebootRequired" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        Restart-Service -Name CcmExec -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        Write-Host "Cleared on $env:COMPUTERNAME"
    }
}

Suppress Reboots in SCCM Deployment Settings

The correct long-term solution is to configure reboot behaviour in the deployment itself. In the SCCM console go to your deployment properties then the User Experience tab then Device restart behaviour and select Never restart a server or configure a suitable deadline behaviour for workstations.

Configure Maintenance Windows

Configure Maintenance Windows on device collections to restrict when SCCM can perform reboots. Go to your device collection then the Maintenance Windows tab and add a window for your preferred reboot time such as weeknights between 11pm and 5am. SCCM will hold reboots until the next available window.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author

Andrew Armstrong

Andrew Armstrong is a UK-based IT professional with 26+ years of hands-on experience in Windows, Windows Server, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Active Directory, PowerShell, and enterprise infrastructure. He founded TechyGeeksHome in 2010 and has published over 1,500 practical guides covering real-world IT problems and solutions. When not solving IT problems, Andrew develops free Windows utilities including Ultimate Settings Panel, which has been downloaded over 850,000 times.

See author's posts