If you need to stop Windows 11 from continuing with new updates for a short time, use the built-in Pause updates control in Settings > Windows Update. Microsoft’s current Windows 11 experience lets you choose an end date up to 35 days from the current date. A pause is temporary—it does not permanently disable Windows Update.
How to Pause Windows 11 Updates
- Open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Find Pause updates.
- Select Pick a date.
- Choose an available end date.
Microsoft says that if updates are in progress when you pause updates, those updates are canceled. Updates that require a restart will not be downloaded or installed until the pause ends.
How Long Can You Pause Updates?
The current Windows 11 pause period can extend up to 35 days from today. If updates are already paused, you can choose a new end date as long as it remains within that 35-day window. Previously paused time is not added on to create an unlimited pause.
What Happens When the Pause Ends?
Windows checks for updates again and may need to download and install the latest available updates. You can also resume updates manually before the selected end date.
Can You Cancel an Update That Is Already Installed?
Pausing future or in-progress updating is different from uninstalling an update that has already been installed. If an installed update causes a problem, use Windows’ recovery or update-history options appropriate to that update. Do not interrupt the PC while Windows is applying firmware or completing an update during startup or shutdown.
Do Not Disable the Windows Update Service as a Routine Fix
Older tutorials sometimes recommend disabling Windows Update services, changing permissions, or using unsupported registry tricks to block updates indefinitely. Those approaches can leave the PC without important security and reliability fixes and can behave differently after Windows servicing changes. Use Microsoft’s supported Pause updates control when you only need a temporary delay.
Will Every Update Wait?
Windows servicing continues to evolve. Microsoft notes that some protective content and certain critical or expedited components can be delivered differently from ordinary restart-requiring updates. Do not treat Pause updates as a permanent security-update blocking mechanism.
Summary
Open Settings > Windows Update and choose an end date under Pause updates. Windows 11 currently supports a pause of up to 35 days from today, and Microsoft says updates already in progress are canceled when the pause is applied. Updates resume automatically when the pause ends unless you resume them sooner.