How to Pause and Resume Windows 11 Updates

This post provides a guide for students and new users on how to pause and resume Windows 11 updates temporarily. The regular updates from Windows 11 enhance security and device performance. Users can postpone updates temporarily when necessary but must eventually install all pending updates before deferring further. Instructions for accessing and utilizing the System…

This post shows students and new users how to temporarily pause Windows updates and resume when needed in Windows 11.

To keep your system protected and running smoothly, Windows 11 provides the latest security updates and patches to help secure and enhance your machine’s performance. These updates and patches improve security, help your device run efficiently, and stay protected while doing business.

Learning how to pause or resume updates in Windows 11 is essential to ensure that your system is up to date with the latest security patches and updates while also allowing you to control when updates are installed.

Pausing updates temporarily can be useful if you are in the middle of an important task and do not want to be interrupted by a restart or experiencing issues with a recent update. On the other hand, resuming updates is crucial to keep your system secure and protected against potential security threats.

Knowing how to pause or resume updates gives you more control over when your system is updated, helping you keep your device secure and running smoothly.

To get started with pausing Windows updates, use the steps below:

Pause or Postpone Windows 11 updates

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Windows Updates, and select Pause updates on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

You will be able to pause updates for update 5 weeks. However, some updates, like Microsoft Defender definition updates, will continue to be installed.

After you pause Windows updates, you should see a similar screen below. Windows will not receive new updates until updated resumes.

Resume Windows updates

If Windows updates are paused and you want to resume, reverse the steps above.

Click on Start ==> Settings ==> Windows Updates ==> Resume updates.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Pausing and resuming Windows updates helps you manage system performance during critical tasks.
  • It provides greater control over when updates are installed, ensuring minimal interruptions.
  • Regularly resuming updates is essential for maintaining security and functionality on your device.
  • Windows 11 offers a user-friendly interface for managing updates through the System Settings.
  • Stay proactive in managing updates to keep your system secure and functioning optimally.

Comments

  1. […] can pause the service for up to 20 years, effectively stopping new updates until you are ready to resume updates and check for updates […]

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