If you want to delay updates until a more convenient time, you can pause Windows Update directly from Settings. This is useful when you want to avoid interruptions or simply update your PC later.
Pausing is temporary. If you need more persistent control over automatic downloads and installations, stopping Windows Update through Group Policy or the Registry may be a better option.
1. Pause Windows Updates in Windows 11
The latest Windows 11 pause experience lets you choose the date when Windows Update should resume.
1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Next to Pause updates, select Pick a date.
3. Choose the date until which you want updates paused.
Windows 11 lets you pause updates for up to 35 days from the current date. Updates that might require a restart will not be downloaded or installed until the pause ends, and Windows will not automatically restart your PC to complete them.
Note: The calendar-based pause experience is relatively new and has been rolling out across Windows 11 devices. If your PC still shows a menu for selecting a pause length instead of Pick a date, you can use that option to pause updates temporarily.
Extend the Update Pause
If updates are already paused and you need more time, return to Settings > Windows Update and select a new end date under Pause updates.
The new end date can be up to 35 days from the current date. Previously paused time is not added to that limit, and you can extend the pause again later as long as the new date remains within the supported period.
2. Pause Windows Updates in Windows 10
Windows 10 uses a slightly different Windows Update interface.
1. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Pause updates for 7 days.
To choose a different resume date, open Advanced options. Under Pause updates, use the drop-down menu to select when Windows Update should resume.
While updates are paused, Windows does not download or install new updates, and the PC will not automatically restart to complete an update installation.
Windows 10 note: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. PCs enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can continue receiving eligible security updates after end of support.
How to Resume Windows Updates Early
You do not have to wait until the pause period expires. Open Windows Update and select Resume updates.
- Windows 11: Settings > Windows Update
- Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
When you resume updates, Windows checks again for available updates and downloads and installs the latest versions that apply to your PC. If you do nothing, Windows Update resumes automatically when the pause period ends.
What Happens If an Update Is Already Downloading?
If updates are already in progress when you pause Windows Update, Windows cancels those updates. When you resume updates later, Windows checks again for available updates and may download and install them again.
Because Windows includes a built-in pause feature, you do not need to manually stop services such as Windows Update, BITS, or Delivery Optimization.
Pause or Stop Windows Update: Which Should You Use?
Pause Windows updates when you only need to delay them temporarily. Windows Update resumes automatically when the pause ends, or you can resume it manually at any time.
If you need more persistent control over automatic downloads and installations, see how to stop Windows Update in Windows.
If an update is already installed and causing errors, performance problems, or compatibility issues, you can uninstall that Windows update instead.
Conclusion
Windows 11 and 10 let you pause Windows Update without disabling services or changing system policies.
In Windows 11, you can choose a pause end date of up to 35 days from the current date. Windows 10 lets you pause updates for seven days or select a resume date from Advanced options.
When you’re ready to update again, select Resume updates and Windows will check for available updates.
