How to Enable or Disable Pause Updates in Windows 11

Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your computer safe and running smoothly. But sometimes, you might want to pause updates for a short time to avoid interruptions.

This guide explains how to turn on or off the pause updates feature in Windows 11 in simple steps.

What You Should Know

• If you are using a Windows Insider build (a test version), you can only pause updates for up to 1 week (7 days).
• If you are using a regular Windows 11 version, you can pause updates for up to 5 weeks (35 days).
• Some updates, like security updates for Microsoft Defender, will still install even if you pause updates.
• After the pause time ends, Windows will automatically download the latest updates before you can pause again.
• ⚠️ Admin privileges required: You need to be signed in as an administrator on your PC to change these settings.
• If you want to pause updates for longer than the default time, you can change the maximum pause time manually.

Option 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor (for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

The Local Group Policy Editor lets you control many Windows settings. It’s only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions.

Steps:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. In the left panel, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience
4. On the right side, find and double-click Remove access to "Pause updates" feature.
5. To Enable pause updates (this is default):
   • Select Not Configured or Disabled, then click OK.
6. To Disable pause updates:
   • Select Enabled, then click OK.
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Option 2: Using the Windows Registry (All Windows 11 Versions)

Warning: Changing the registry can cause problems if done wrong. It’s a good idea to back up your registry first.

To Enable Pause Updates (default):

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v SetDisablePauseUXAccess /f

To Disable Pause Updates:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v SetDisablePauseUXAccess /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

You can create a .reg file with the code above and run it, or use the Registry Editor (Windows key + R, type regedit, press Enter) to navigate to the key and change the value manually.

Summary

• ⚠️ Admin privileges required: You need administrator rights to make these changes.
• Windows Insider users can pause updates for up to 1 week; others can pause for up to 5 weeks.
• You can change the pause time to be longer if you want.
• You can use Group Policy Editor (for some Windows editions) or the Registry Editor to enable or disable the pause updates feature.
• If you disable pause updates while updates are paused, you can still resume updates any time.
• By following these steps, you can control when Windows 11 installs updates, so it fits your schedule and needs.