How to Pause and Resume Updates for Windows 11

Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your computer secure. Sometimes, these updates can happen at inconvenient times. This guide explains how to pause these updates and start them again when you are ready.

Why pause updates?

Pausing updates is helpful if you are working on an important project, have a slow internet connection, or want to avoid a sudden restart while you are using your computer.

What happens when you pause?

When you pause updates, your computer stops downloading new software from Microsoft for a set time. Essential security updates, like those for Microsoft Defender, will still install to keep you safe. Once the pause period ends, your computer will automatically resume checking for updates.

Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to change these settings.

Reference: Pause updates in Windows – Microsoft Support

Option One: Pause Updates in Settings

You can choose how long to pause updates using the Settings menu.

1. Open Settings Settings by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Click on Windows Update on the left side of the window.  Open Windows Update Settings
3. Find the Pause updates section on the right. You can choose to pause for one week, or use the drop-down menu to pick a longer time. If you have already paused, you can click Extend to add more time.

Option Two: Resume Updates in Settings

If you paused updates but want to get the latest security improvements immediately, you can resume them manually.

1. Open Settings and click on Windows Update.  Open Windows Update Settings
2. Click the Resume updates button on the right.

Your computer will now immediately check for any available updates.

Option Three: Resume Updates using Registry

Advanced users can force updates to resume using the Windows Terminal. Requires admin privileges.

Open Windows Terminal as an administrator and run the following commands:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\Settings" /v PausedFeatureStatus /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\Settings" /v PausedQualityStatus /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseFeatureUpdatesStartTime /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseFeatureUpdatesEndTime /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseQualityUpdatesStartTime /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseQualityUpdatesEndTime /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseUpdatesStartTime /f
reg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings" /v PauseUpdatesExpiryTime /f

Summary

Windows 11 allows you to pause updates for up to 5 weeks to prevent interruptions. You can easily manage this via the Windows Update section in Settings. Remember that security updates are vital, so always resume them when you have a free moment to keep your system protected.