Disable 3CX Unattended Upgrades (Windows)

What the 3CX upgrade disabler does

This Automox Worklet™ prevents 3CX automatic updates on Windows endpoints by disabling the application's ability to self-upgrade. The Worklet stops any running 3CX Desktop App processes and renames the executable files responsible for automatic updates, preventing the application from launching or executing upgrades without your explicit authorization.

The Worklet targets multiple installation locations where 3CX typically stores its executables, including user-specific application data folders and system-wide program directories. This approach verifies that regardless of how 3CX was installed or which user profile initiated it, the update mechanism is effectively disabled.

Why control 3CX upgrade behavior

Automatic 3CX updates install without warning, forcing application restarts that disconnect users from calls mid-conversation. Customer service representatives, sales teams, and support staff cannot afford unexpected call drops during business hours. These interruptions create poor customer experiences and disrupt revenue-generating activities.

IT operations teams need to test 3CX updates in controlled environments before deploying to production endpoints. Automatic updates skip this testing phase and can introduce client bugs, feature changes, or compatibility issues that affect your specific deployment. You need update control to validate compatibility with your PBX version, integration scripts, and business workflows.

Windows endpoints in enterprise environments receive software updates through managed deployment tools like SCCM, Intune, or Automox. When applications self-update outside these channels, you lose inventory accuracy and cannot determine which endpoints run which software versions. This complicates troubleshooting and makes it impossible to correlate problems with specific release versions.

Some 3CX client updates require corresponding PBX updates or configuration changes. When clients auto-update before the infrastructure is ready, users experience feature problems, connection failures, or authentication issues caused by client-server version mismatches.

How 3CX update disabling works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks whether the 3CX Desktop App process is currently running on the endpoint.

2. Remediation phase: If the process is running, the Worklet terminates it, then locates and renames all 3CX executable files in both user-profile and system directories to prevent automatic execution or updates.

3CX upgrade control requirements

• Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, or newer

• 3CX Desktop App installed on the endpoint

• Local administrator privileges to terminate processes and rename files

• FixNow capability enabled for immediate execution

Expected 3CX behavior after disabling upgrades

The 3CX client stops checking for and installing automatic updates. The application remains on its current version until you deploy an update through your software distribution process. Users continue making calls, joining conferences, and using chat features without interruption or unexpected update prompts.

Users no longer see 3CX update notifications or prompts to restart the application. The client operates normally on its current version without attempting downloads or installations. This eliminates surprise interruptions during work hours.

You control 3CX client update timing. You can test new versions, coordinate client updates with PBX upgrades, schedule deployments during maintenance windows, and notify users in advance through your organization's change management communications. Updates happen on your schedule, not 3CX's schedule.

The configuration change persists across application restarts and system reboots. 3CX will not automatically re-enable updates. When you are ready to update the client, deploy the new version through your managed software distribution system using an MSI package or your preferred deployment method.

How to validate disable 3cx unattended-upgrades changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot Windows endpoint and review evaluation output for disable 3cx unattended-upgrades.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as the evaluation and remediation scripts.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as Get-Process, Stop-Process, Get-Item, then rerun evaluation for compliance.