How to Pause Windows Updates

Windows updates install automatically by default, but you can pause them for up to 35 days when you need uninterrupted work time or want to avoid potential issues with new releases. This gives you control over when updates install on your system.

1. Open Windows Update Settings. Press Windows key + I to open Settings. Click Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11). The Windows Update page displays your current update status and available options.
2. Select Pause Updates Option. Click 'Pause updates for 7 days' or 'Pause updates' depending on your Windows version. A dropdown menu appears showing pause duration options from 1 day up to 35 days maximum.
3. Choose Your Pause Duration. Select your desired pause length from the dropdown menu. Windows displays the exact date when updates will resume automatically. Click the pause option to confirm your selection.
4. Verify Updates Are Paused. The Windows Update page now shows 'Updates are paused' with the resume date. Windows will not download or install feature updates during this period, though critical security updates may still install.
5. Resume Updates When Ready. Return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update when you want to resume. Click 'Resume updates' to immediately allow updates again, or wait until the pause period expires automatically.