How to Pause Windows Updates: A Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10 & 11

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for maintaining security, stability, and access to the latest features. However, sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you’d rather hold off on those updates temporarily—perhaps you're in the middle of a project, gaming, or just want to avoid unexpected system restarts. Thankfully, Microsoft offers an option to pause updates — and we'll dive into the steps involved to ensure you're in control of when these updates are downloaded and installed.

Why Would You Want to Pause Updates?​

Let’s face it, sometimes updates can pop up at the most inconvenient moments. Wouldn’t it be aggravating if you were deep into a gaming session when your device decided it was time for an impromptu reboot? Pausing updates allows you to dodge these potential disruptions. Furthermore, perhaps you're seeing a report of an update causing issues for others — this could be another good reason to hit the brakes.

Key Considerations​

• Duration: You can typically pause updates for a limited time, after which you'll need to install them to continue using your device.
• Active Hours: If your device needs to restart after an update, you can schedule that restart during your inactive hours.

How to Pause Updates in Windows 11​

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Open Settings:
   • Click on the Start menu and select Settings (you can also press Win + I to open the settings directly).
   []Access Windows Update:
   
   • Navigate to Windows Update in your Settings.
   []Pause Updates:
   • Here, you can choose the duration to pause updates. You'll typically see an option to pause for a set of days, such as 7 days.
   []Scheduling Restart:
   
   • If your updates require a restart and it becomes inconvenient, head to Schedule the restart option to pick a more suitable time.
   []Set Active Hours:
   • Ensure you set active hours so your computer won’t restart during times you're actively using it.

How to Pause Updates in Windows 10​

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Open Settings:
   • Click the Start menu and select Settings, or use Win + I.
   []Go to Update & Security:
   
   • Select Update & Security and then head to Windows Update.
   []Pause Updates:
   • Here, you’ll find an option that allows you to either pause updates for 7 days or access Advanced options to specify a date to resume updates.
   []Scheduling Restart:
   
   • Similar to Windows 11, if a restart is required, use the Schedule the restart option to pick a time that works better for you.
   []Activating Active Hours:
   • Set your active hours to prevent automatic restarts when you're using your PC.

What Happens After Pausing Updates?​

Once the pause period is over, you'll be prompted to install the available updates. Ignoring this could lead to security vulnerabilities as unpatched software often becomes an easy target for cybercriminals. Make sure to remind yourself to check back in and install those updates, particularly for critical security patches.

Final Word​

In summary, the ability to pause updates in Windows is a handy feature for those moments when timing is everything. While it’s usually best to keep your system updated to maintain optimum performance and security, you now have the power to take a break when necessary. Just remember to come back to that "pause" button eventually — your OS will thank you for it.
If you've got any questions or want to share your own tips about managing updates in Windows, feel free to reach out or jump into the community discussions on WindowsForum.com!

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Source: Microsoft Support Pause updates in Windows - Microsoft Support