You can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days, or stop a download that is already in progress
Windows updates download and install automatically by default. If you want to stop an update before it installs, or delay the next batch of updates, you have two main routes: pause updates through your Settings, or interrupt a download that is already running. The method depends on which version of Windows you have and whether the update has already started downloading.
Pausing updates is temporary — Windows will resume them after the pause period ends. Stopping a download in progress is immediate but only works if the update hasn't finished yet. Once an update has fully installed and your computer has restarted, you cannot undo it through these methods.
Key Takeaways
- You can pause Windows updates for 7, 14, or 35 days depending on your Windows version, but the pause is temporary and updates will resume after that period.
- If an update is currently downloading, you can stop it by opening Task Manager, finding Windows Update processes, and ending them before the installation begins.
- Windows Home edition has fewer pause options than Pro or Enterprise editions, and some updates cannot be paused at all.
- Restarting your computer during a download may interrupt the process, but Windows will often resume the download automatically later.
Pausing updates through Windows Settings
The simplest way to delay updates is through your Settings menu. Open Settings, go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Windows Update (Windows 11), and look for the option to pause updates. In Windows 10, you can pause for up to 35 days. In Windows 11, the pause period is typically 7 days, though you can pause multiple times in succession.
To pause in Windows 10: click Pause updates for 7 days or Advanced options to select a longer pause period. In Windows 11: select Pause for 1 week in the Windows Update section. The pause applies to all non-critical updates. Security updates and critical patches may still install even during a pause period, depending on your settings.
Windows Home edition limits your pause options more than Pro or Enterprise versions. If you have Home edition and do not see a pause option, your version may not support pausing, and you will need to use the Task Manager method instead.
Stopping a download already in progress
If an update is currently downloading and you want to stop it before installation begins, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager. Look for processes named Windows Update, Update Orchestrator Service, or UsoClient.exe.
Select each of these processes and click End Task at the bottom right. This will interrupt the download. However, Windows will often resume the download automatically within hours or days, so this is a temporary measure. Stopping the download does not prevent future updates — it only delays the current one.
If you restart your computer during a download, Windows may pause the process, but it will typically resume when you turn the computer back on. Repeatedly stopping downloads and restarting is not a reliable long-term strategy.
Differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11
Windows 10 offers more granular pause control. You can pause for 7, 14, or 35 days by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options. Windows 11 simplified this to a single 7-day pause option, though you can apply multiple pauses in a row to extend the delay.
Both versions allow you to schedule restart times so updates do not install in the middle of your work. In Windows 10, this is under Active hours. In Windows 11, it is under Restart options. Setting active hours tells Windows not to restart during those times, but updates may still download in the background.
Windows 11 also introduced Scheduled restart, which lets you pick a specific date and time for the restart to happen. This gives you more control over when your computer goes down for the update, even if you cannot pause the update itself.
What you cannot pause or stop
Security updates and critical patches often cannot be paused, even if you have paused other updates. Windows treats these as mandatory because they close security holes. If Windows determines an update is critical, it may install regardless of your pause settings.
Once an update has finished downloading and your computer has restarted, you cannot undo the installation through these methods. At that point, the update is complete. If the update causes problems, you would need to use System Restore or uninstall the update through Settings, which is a different process.
Some updates are tied to hardware drivers or firmware. These may not appear in your Windows Update settings and cannot be paused through the standard methods. Check your device manufacturer's website or your computer's BIOS settings if you need to control driver updates separately.
Restarting your computer during an update
If your computer is in the middle of installing an update and you force a restart or shut down, you risk corrupting the installation. Windows may fail to complete the update, or your system may not start properly. Avoid forcing a restart unless your computer is completely unresponsive.
If an update installation is taking too long and your computer appears frozen, wait at least 30 minutes before taking action. Updates can take a long time, especially on older computers or slower internet connections. If it is still frozen after 30 minutes, you can hold the power button to force a shutdown, but understand this carries risk.
After a forced shutdown during an update, Windows will often attempt to complete or roll back the installation when you restart. This process is automatic, but it may take additional time. Do not interrupt it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently stop Windows updates?
No. Pausing and stopping are temporary measures. Windows is designed to update automatically for security reasons. You can delay updates, but they will eventually install. The longest pause period is 35 days in Windows 10 and 7 days per pause in Windows 11.
Will stopping an update in Task Manager damage my computer?
Stopping a download in progress through Task Manager is safe. Interrupting a download does not harm your system. However, stopping an update that is already installing (after the download is complete) can cause problems. Only use Task Manager to stop downloads, not active installations.
What happens if I ignore the restart notification?
Windows will keep reminding you to restart, and the notification may become more frequent. Eventually, Windows may force a restart on its own, especially if the update is critical. You cannot ignore the notification indefinitely — the restart will happen.
Can I pause updates if I have Windows Home edition?
Windows 10 Home supports pausing updates for up to 35 days. Windows 11 Home supports pausing for 7 days. If you do not see a pause option in your Settings, your version may not support it, and you would need to use Task Manager to stop downloads instead.
Do security updates install even when I have paused updates?
Yes. Security updates and critical patches are often exempt from pause settings. Windows treats these as mandatory and may install them even if you have paused other updates. You cannot pause security updates through Settings.