To pause Windows 11 updates, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update, select Pause updates, then choose an end date with Pick a date. To install updates sooner, return to Windows Update and select the resume control. Pausing is temporary: updates resume automatically when the pause expires.
How to pause Windows 11 updates
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Pause updates, then use Pick a date to choose when updates should resume. The available dates reflect the supported pause period. Microsoft’s pause instructions describe this control.
Pausing delays updates that may require a restart; the device does not automatically restart to complete their installation during the pause. If an update is already in progress when you pause, Microsoft says that update is canceled. A pause does not permanently disable automatic updates.
How long you can pause updates
Microsoft’s current guidance allows a pause of up to 35 days from the day you set it. You can extend an existing pause by selecting a new end date, but paused days do not accumulate: the new date can be up to 35 days from the day you extend it.
Windows does not offer an indefinite pause. Once you reach the limit, Microsoft says you must install the latest updates before you can pause again. See Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ.
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How to resume updates early
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select the resume option shown on the page.
- Check the update status. If updates are available, select Download & install.
Resuming prompts Windows to check for updates. Depending on what is available, updates may need to be downloaded and installed again, so allow time for installation and any required restart. If you do not resume manually, updates start again when the selected pause period ends. Microsoft explains the resume behavior here.
Pause updates or use Active hours?
| Option | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Pause updates | Temporarily delays updates that may require a restart. | You need to defer updates for a while. |
| Active hours | Helps prevent automatic restarts during the hours you typically use the PC; it does not pause updates. | You want updates to continue but want to reduce the chance of a restart interrupting work. |
To configure Active hours, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and look for the Active hours setting. Available controls can vary by Windows version. Microsoft’s Active hours guidance covers the setting.
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What to expect from Windows 11 restarts
For updates released on or after July 28, 2026, Microsoft describes a monthly restart experience for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, across all editions. The rollout is gradual, so it may not appear on every device. Microsoft says driver, .NET, and firmware updates are aligned with the monthly security update, while Defender security intelligence, AI component, critical or expedited driver, and emergency or out-of-band updates may still install as soon as available. This is version- and rollout-specific context, not a guarantee that every update will wait for a monthly restart. See the support document, published August 14, 2026: Windows 11 monthly restart experience.
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