You can’t permanently switch off Windows Update from Settings on Windows 11 or Windows 10, but you can pause it. Open Settings > Windows Update and use Pause updates to stop downloads and restarts for up to 35 days at a time. For more control, set active hours, mark your connection as metered, or (on Pro and higher editions) use Group Policy.
Stopping updates for long periods leaves your PC open to security holes, so pause only for as long as you need, such as during a project or a trip.
Quick Answer
Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and choose a date in Pause updates. Updates resume on that date, or sooner if you select Resume updates.
Method 1: Pause Updates (Windows 11 and 10)
- Select Start, then Settings.
- Select Windows Update. On Windows 10, it’s under Update & Security.
- Find Pause updates. Depending on your version, you’ll see a list such as Pause for 1 week or a Pick a date calendar.
- Choose how long to pause. The page then shows the date updates will resume.
Limits: Microsoft’s pause updates page says you can pause for up to 35 days from today, and you can extend by picking a new date. In spring 2026, Microsoft began testing a change that lets Windows 11 users keep extending the pause without a hard cap. If your PC doesn’t offer that yet, the 35-day limit applies.
Method 2: Set Active Hours to Stop Surprise Restarts
If the real problem is restarts in the middle of your work, active hours may be all you need.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Select Active hours.
- Set it to Manually and choose the hours you normally use the PC, or leave it on Automatically so Windows learns your schedule.
Method 3: Use a Metered Connection
On a metered connection, Windows downloads only updates it considers urgent and waits on the rest.
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi (then your network) or Ethernet.
- Turn on Metered connection.
- In Windows Update > Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is off.
Method 4: Group Policy (Pro, Enterprise, Education)
This is for people who manage their own PCs and want to choose when updates install. It isn’t available on Home editions.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. On newer builds, open Manage end user experience.
- Open Configure Automatic Updates, select Enabled, and choose 2 – Notify for download and auto install.
- Select OK. Windows now tells you about updates instead of installing them on its own.
Methods Compared
| Method | Editions | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pause updates | All | Stops updates until a date you pick | Short breaks, trips, deadlines |
| Active hours | All | Blocks automatic restarts during set hours | Avoiding restarts while working |
| Metered connection | All | Delays most downloads | Limited or paid data plans |
| Group Policy | Pro and higher | Asks before downloading or installing | Hands-on users and small offices |
What Not to Do
- Don’t disable the Windows Update service. Windows often turns it back on, and a disabled service can break the Microsoft Store and other apps.
- Don’t use “update blocker” downloads. They change system settings you can’t easily undo, and some come bundled with unwanted software.
Once updates install, their leftover files can take up gigabytes. Here’s how to delete old Windows updates safely.
Troubleshooting
- The Pause button is grayed out: Your PC is managed by work or school policy, or the pause limit was reached. Install waiting updates, then you can pause again.
- A stuck update keeps failing: Pausing won’t fix it. Run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.
- Updates resumed by themselves: That’s expected when the pause date passes. Windows installs the waiting updates before you can pause again.
When you’re ready to catch up, our guide to updating your Windows computer walks through checking for and installing updates.
Windows 10 users: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to turn off Windows Update?
Short pauses are fine. Long ones aren’t, because monthly updates fix security flaws that attackers actively use.
Can I stop just one update?
You can uninstall a problem update from Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then pause updates so it doesn’t return right away.
Does pausing stop Microsoft Defender updates?
Security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender usually keep arriving while other updates are paused.
Summary
- Pause updates in Settings > Windows Update for up to 35 days at a time.
- Set active hours to prevent restarts while you work.
- Use a metered connection or Group Policy for more control.
- Resume updates as soon as you can to stay protected.
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.