You can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days, or turn off automatic updates entirely — but the method depends on which version of Windows you have

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both let you delay updates, though the steps differ slightly. On Windows 10, you can pause updates for up to 35 days through Settings. On Windows 11, the pause option works the same way but the menu location changed. If you want to stop updates permanently rather than pause them, you'll need to disable the Windows Update service itself — this is more involved and means you won't receive security patches, so most people should pause instead of disable.

The reason to pause rather than cancel outright: security updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. Delaying them for a few weeks is usually safe. Turning them off indefinitely leaves your computer exposed.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 both have a built-in pause option in Settings that delays updates for up to 35 days without disabling them permanently.
  • Pausing updates is safer than disabling the Windows Update service, because you'll still receive security patches once the pause expires.
  • If you disable Windows Update entirely, you stop receiving all updates including critical security fixes, which puts your computer at risk.
  • The pause option resets after 35 days, so you'll need to pause again if you want to continue delaying updates.

How to pause updates on Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Update & Security, then click Windows Update in the left menu. You'll see a button that says Pause updates for 7 days. Click it.

Each time you click, it extends the pause by 7 days, up to a maximum of 35 days total. You can click the button up to five times to reach the full 35-day pause. After 35 days, Windows will resume downloading and installing updates automatically. If you want to unpause before the timer runs out, click Resume updates in the same location.

How to pause updates on Windows 11

Press the Windows key and type "Settings," then open the Settings app. Click System in the left menu, then scroll down and click Windows Update. You'll see Pause updates with a dropdown menu showing how many days are remaining. Click the dropdown and select how many weeks you want to pause — the options go up to 4 weeks (28 days).

Unlike Windows 10, you don't click multiple times; you choose the full pause length upfront. Windows 11 will show you the exact date updates will resume. To unpause early, return to the same menu and click Resume updates.

How to disable Windows Update service (permanent stop)

If you want to stop updates entirely rather than pause them, you need to disable the Windows Update service. Press the Windows key and type "Services," then open the Services app. Scroll down to find Windows Update in the list. Right-click it and select Properties.

In the Properties window, find the Startup type dropdown and change it from "Automatic" to Disabled. Click Apply, then OK. Windows Update will no longer run in the background. To turn it back on later, return to Services, right-click Windows Update, select Properties, and change Startup type back to Automatic.

Disabling the service is permanent until you re-enable it — it doesn't reset after 35 days like the pause option does. However, this means you won't receive any updates, including security patches. Most people should use the pause option instead.

What happens when you pause or disable updates

While updates are paused, Windows will not download or install them automatically. You can still use your computer normally. If a critical security issue is discovered, you won't be protected until the pause expires or you manually resume updates. Windows will remind you that updates are paused by showing a notification in Settings.

If you disable the Windows Update service entirely, Windows will never check for updates on its own. You can still download and install updates manually from the Microsoft website if you choose to, but you won't be prompted. This is why disabling is riskier than pausing — most people forget to check manually and end up unprotected for months or years.

When to pause versus when to disable

Pause updates if you're waiting for a specific program to be compatible with the latest Windows version, or if an update is causing problems and you need time to troubleshoot. Pausing gives you breathing room while still protecting you once the pause ends.

Disable updates only if you have a specific technical reason — for example, you're running Windows on a virtual machine for testing and don't want it to update. Even then, consider pausing instead. If you disable updates, set a calendar reminder to re-enable them after a few weeks, or you risk leaving your computer vulnerable indefinitely.

Restarting after pausing or disabling

When you pause updates, Windows won't force a restart to install them. However, some updates require a restart to take effect, and Windows may prompt you to restart at a convenient time. You can usually delay the restart for several hours or until you manually restart your computer.

If you disable the Windows Update service, Windows won't prompt you to restart at all, because no updates are being installed. If you later re-enable the service, Windows will resume checking for updates and may prompt you to restart once it finds and installs them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause updates on Windows 11 Home edition?

Yes, the pause option is available on all Windows 11 editions, including Home. The steps are the same regardless of which edition you have. Only the Pro and Enterprise editions have additional Group Policy options for more granular update control.

What happens after the 35-day pause expires?

Windows will automatically resume downloading and installing updates. You'll see a notification in Settings that the pause has ended. If you want to delay updates further, you can pause again immediately — there's no waiting period between pauses.

Will disabling Windows Update affect other Windows features?

Disabling the Windows Update service only stops automatic updates. Other Windows features like Windows Defender, Microsoft Store, and system apps will continue to work. However, those features may not receive security patches if you keep the service disabled long-term.

Can I pause updates if I'm using a work or school computer?

It depends on your organization's settings. If your computer is managed by an IT department, they may have locked the pause option or set their own update schedule. Contact your IT support to ask about your organization's update policy.

Is it safe to disable Windows Update permanently?

No. Disabling updates permanently leaves your computer vulnerable to security exploits. If you need to delay updates, use the pause option instead, which automatically resumes after 35 days. If you need longer-term control, talk to your IT department about managed update policies rather than disabling the service yourself.