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The Update Bureau
Guide · Fix & Manage Updates Troubleshooting Windows 11 & 10

How to pause Windows updates

Delay updates for a few weeks, for example while a known issue is being fixed.

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Pausing is useful when an update has a known issue that affects you and you want to wait for the fix. It is a delay, not a way to skip updates forever.

Windows 11

  1. Open Settings › Windows Update.
  2. Next to Pause updates, choose how long: from 1 to 5 weeks.
  3. To resume early, select Resume updates.

When the pause ends, Windows installs the latest updates before you can pause again.

Windows 10

  1. Open Settings › Update & Security › Windows Update.
  2. Select Pause updates for 7 days, or open Advanced options to choose a date.

Before you pause

Security updates close holes that attackers use. If an update fixes a vulnerability that is already exploited (the page shows the verdict Install now), pausing leaves your PC exposed. Pause only for a short time and only for a reason.

On a work PC

If your PC is managed by an organization, the IT department decides when updates install, and these options may be greyed out.

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