The safest way to stop Windows updates is to pause them. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and choose Pause for 1 week up to 5 weeks from the Pause updates menu. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and pick a date under Pause updates (up to 35 days). After the pause ends, Windows installs the latest updates before you can pause again.
You can also stop surprise restarts, limit downloads on metered connections, and delay big feature updates. Turning updates off permanently isn’t recommended, because security updates protect you from real attacks. Here are all the options.
Your options at a glance
| Option | What it does | Editions |
|---|---|---|
| Pause updates | Stops all updates for up to 5 weeks | All |
| Active hours | Prevents automatic restarts during set hours | All |
| Metered connection | Limits update downloads on that network | All |
| Target feature update version | Stays on your current Windows version while still getting security updates | Pro, Enterprise, Education |
| Group Policy: notify before download | Asks before downloading or installing | Pro, Enterprise, Education |
How to pause Windows 11 updates
- Press Windows + I and click Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, open the drop-down menu.
- Choose how long to pause, from 1 week to 5 weeks.
To resume early, click Resume updates on the same page.
How to pause Windows 10 updates
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Pause updates for 7 days, or go to Advanced options and choose a date under Pause until.
Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. Unless your PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates, there may be few or no security updates to pause, and keeping it current matters even more.
How to stop surprise restarts
- Go to Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Set Active hours to Automatically or choose the hours you usually use your PC.
- Turn on Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating.
How to limit downloads with a metered connection
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), and click your network’s properties.
- Turn on Metered connection.
- In Windows Update > Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is off.
Windows may still download critical security updates on metered connections.
Stay on your current version (Pro and higher)
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update (the path varies slightly by version).
- Open Select the target Feature Update version, choose Enabled, and enter the product (like Windows 11) and version (like 24H2).
- Click OK.
You’ll keep getting monthly security fixes but won’t be moved to a new version until you change this. In the same area, Configure Automatic Updates set to Notify for download and auto install makes Windows ask before downloading.
Why not disable updates completely?
- Security updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers actively use.
- Disabling the Windows Update service or using third-party blockers can break updates, Microsoft Store apps, and Defender definitions.
- If an update causes a problem, uninstall that one update instead. See how to update Windows for how to uninstall and fix updates.
Related: Stop a Windows 11 update in progress.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pause updates for more than 5 weeks?
Not from Settings on Home. After the pause ends, you need to install updates before pausing again.
Does pausing stop Microsoft Defender updates?
No. Defender’s security intelligence updates continue.
How do I stop a specific driver update?
Roll back the driver in Device Manager. On Pro, you can also block driver updates through Group Policy with Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.