How to stop automatic Java updates

Symptoms

If you are using an application that uses Java run-time, but does not support the most current version of Java run-time you should uncheck the option "Check for Updates Automatically" in the Java Control Panel. The problem for many Windows 7 users is this option does not stay unchecked. It appears to work, but as soon as you open the Java Control Panel again this option will revert back to being checked.

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Cause
The root cause of this problem is the Policy registry key. The user with administrative privilege can only change this registry key value. Oracle is trying to provide fix in upcoming release.

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Resolution
The workaround to this problem is to run the Java Control Panel as administrator, and then make changes to the Java update settings.
Note: Running the Java Control Panel as administrator is necessary even if you are a user with administrative privilege with User Access Control (UAC) on Windows Vista operating system.

Follow these steps to run Java Control Panel as administrator. If you are not comfortable doing this type of change on your PC create a ServiceNow incident for IT help.

1. Click Start, in the Start Search box, type javacpl
2. A list of matches will appear above. Right-click javacpl.exe
3. Select Run as administrator.
   
4. In the Java Control Panel, click on the Update tab.
5. Uncheck the option to check for automatic updates. At the second prompt select Never Check.
   Note: If you are not logged in to system as administrator then options to change Java update notifications will be greyed out and user will not be able to change it.
6. Click Apply button and then OK button to save settings.