To stop an update in progress on Windows 10, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Pause updates for 7 days while it’s still downloading. If the screen already says Working on updates or Don’t turn off your computer, let it finish. Turning the PC off at that stage can damage Windows.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Pause an update while it downloads
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Pause updates for 7 days. The download stops.
To pause for longer, select Advanced options and pick a date under Pause updates. Select Resume updates when you’re ready.
Stop the Windows Update service
If pausing doesn’t stop it, stop the service itself.
- Press Windows logo key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
Windows starts the service again later, so pair this with a pause if you need updates off for a few days.
Stop it from Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run these two commands. The first stops Windows Update and the second stops the background transfer service it uses for downloads:
net stop wuauservnet stop bits
To clear a download that keeps failing, also delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download while both services are stopped. Windows downloads fresh copies the next time it checks.
Stop big downloads on a limited connection
If you’re on a phone hotspot or capped plan, set the connection as metered. Select Settings > Network & Internet, open your connection’s properties, and turn on Set as metered connection. Windows then holds back most update downloads until you’re on an unmetered network.
Cancel a pending restart
If the update is installed and only the restart is left:
- In Windows Update, select Change active hours so Windows won’t restart while you’re working, or pick a restart time if a restart is scheduled.
- If a shutdown countdown is on screen, open Command Prompt and run
shutdown /abefore the timer ends.
If the update is stuck
If Working on updates hasn’t moved for several hours, hold the power button to turn the PC off, then turn it on again. Windows usually undoes the update and starts normally. Then run Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
Stop automatic maintenance
Windows also installs updates during automatic maintenance, which usually runs at night or when the PC is idle. If it has started and is slowing the PC down, you can stop it.
- Open Control Panel and select System and Security > Security and Maintenance.
- Expand Maintenance.
- Select Stop maintenance.
It runs again at the next scheduled time. To change when, select Change maintenance settings.
Remove an update that already installed
If an update finished before you could stop it and causes problems, uninstall it.
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select View update history > Uninstall updates.
- Select the update, by its KB number and date, and select Uninstall. Restart when asked.
Some updates, such as servicing stack updates, can’t be removed. Pause updates afterwards so the same update doesn’t install again right away.
Troubleshooting
- The service starts again by itself. Windows has a repair service that restarts Windows Update. Use Pause updates as well, which Windows respects.
- The PC shows “Undoing changes” over and over. Let it finish each time. If it loops for hours, start Windows Recovery and use Uninstall Updates.
- The download is stuck at 0 or 100 percent. Stop the services, clear the Download folder as shown above, restart, and check for updates again.
Windows 10 no longer gets regular updates, and Extended Security Updates for home users end on October 12, 2027. Don’t keep updates paused for long, since the remaining fixes are security patches.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel an update once it says Working on updates?
No. Wait for it to finish. Powering off during this stage is the most common cause of a PC that won’t start after an update.
How do I turn off automatic updates?
See how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so keep security updates coming through Extended Security Updates.
How do I install updates again later?
See how to update Windows 10 and check for updates.
How long can I pause updates in Windows 10?
Up to 35 days. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and pick a date under Pause updates. After that, Windows installs pending updates before you can pause again.
Is it safe to turn off the PC during an update?
Only as a last resort. Turning off while Windows is installing can damage system files. If the screen says not to turn off your PC, wait at least a couple of hours before forcing it.
On Windows 11, see how to stop or pause Windows 11 updates.
Microsoft’s guide is Pause updates in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: roll back a Windows 10 update.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.