In Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and choose a date under Pause updates. To reduce interruptions while you work, set Active hours; if Windows is already waiting to restart, use Schedule the restart when it appears. These options delay updates or restarts temporarily—they do not turn updates off permanently.
Choose the control that fits your situation
| Control | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Pause updates | Temporarily postpones updates that require a restart. | You need to defer updates until a selected date. |
| Active hours | Helps prevent automatic restarts during the hours you select; it does not pause downloading or installing. | You want to reduce the chance of a restart interrupting normal use. |
| Schedule the restart | Sets a time for a pending restart when Windows offers the option. | An update is ready and you want to pick a convenient restart time. |
Pause updates in Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Under Pause updates, choose a date.
Microsoft’s current guidance allows a pause end date up to 35 days from the current date. If you extend a pause later, the new end date must still be within 35 days of that later date; earlier paused time is not added to the window. See Microsoft’s instructions for pausing updates.
While updates are paused, updates that require a restart are not downloaded or installed. If an update is already in progress when you pause, Microsoft says it is canceled. When the pause expires—or you resume updates manually—Windows checks for updates and downloads and installs the latest available ones.
Set active hours to avoid work-time restarts
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Open Active hours and choose automatic adjustment or set the hours manually.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Change active hours, then enable automatic adjustment or set the start and end times manually.
Active hours help prevent automatic restarts while you are using the device; they do not stop updates from downloading or installing. Microsoft notes that updates will not download over a metered connection until the device is no longer using one. A metered connection is a separate network setting, not an equivalent update-pause control. See Microsoft’s Active hours guidance.
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Schedule a restart that is already pending
Open Settings > Windows Update and select Schedule the restart if that option is offered. Pick a time that suits you. Windows tries to restart when you are not using the PC, and active hours help constrain automatic restart timing. Availability and labels can vary by Windows version and rollout state. Microsoft describes restart scheduling in its Windows Update FAQ.
What changes for Windows 10
On applicable Windows 10 versions, open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Select Pause updates for 7 days, or open Advanced options and choose a resume date. Use Change active hours on the Windows Update page to help avoid automatic restarts during the hours you are working.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after this date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The pause and active-hours settings do not restore support. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Recent Windows 11 restart behavior
Microsoft says Windows 11 updates released on and after July 28, 2026 combine certain driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly security-update restart on Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. The experience is rolling out gradually, and some updates still install promptly, so it may not be available on every device. Details are in Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ.
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