Select Start > Settings > Windows Update. Next to Pause updates, select Pick a date and choose when updates should start again. You can pause for up to 35 days, and select Resume updates at any time.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Pause updates
- Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, select Pick a date.
- Choose the date you want updates to start again.
Windows Update now shows Updates paused and the date they’ll resume.
Resume or extend the pause
- Resume now: select Resume updates. Windows checks for updates and installs what’s waiting.
- Pause longer: pick a new end date in the same Pause updates list. The total pause can’t be more than 35 days.
What pausing does
- Windows won’t download or install updates, and won’t restart for them, until the pause ends.
- If an update was downloading or installing when you paused, it’s canceled.
- When the pause ends, Windows gets the latest updates. You can’t pause again until those are installed.
Can I stop updates for good?
No. Pausing only delays updates, because they include security fixes that keep your PC safe. To avoid restarts at bad times, set your Active hours in Windows Update > Advanced options.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which version I have?
See how to check your Windows version in Windows 11.
I’m on Windows 10. Is it the same?
It’s similar. See how to stop an update in progress on Windows 10.
If updates won’t download on their own, see how to turn off a metered connection in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Pause updates in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to stop Windows 11 from installing.
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.
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