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You can check for updates, install them when you choose, pause them for a limited time, and keep restarts out of your working hours, all from Settings > Windows Update. What you can’t do with ordinary settings is turn updates off for good. Microsoft Support’s Windows Update: FAQ says: “You can’t stop updates entirely—because they help keep your device safe and secure, updates will eventually need to be installed and downloaded, regardless of your update settings.” Everything below is about timing and interruptions, not switching updates off.
Check for and install updates
- Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Read the status shown, then select Check for updates.
- If an update is offered, select Download & install.
- Save your work and restart when prompted.
Labels and layout can differ with your Windows 11 version, how far a feature has rolled out to your PC, your edition, and whether your device is managed by an organization. On a work or school PC, an administrator may lock or hide some of the controls described here.
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Pause updates temporarily
On Settings > Windows Update, use the pause control. Microsoft’s current page calls it Pick a date. Choose an end date; Microsoft says the maximum is 35 days from the current date. You can resume earlier, or extend by choosing a new end date within the supported window. When the pause ends or you resume, Windows checks for updates again and installs the latest available ones.
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The pause is a delay, not a skip. According to Microsoft’s FAQ, once you reach the pause limit you must install the latest updates before you can pause again. Pausing suits situations such as a deadline week or travel on a slow connection, not long-term avoidance.
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Stop Windows restarting while you work
Set active hours
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours and pick one of two modes:
- Automatically: Windows adjusts the hours based on your device activity.
- Manually: you set the start and end of the hours yourself, which works better if your schedule is irregular but predictable.
Active hours tell Windows when you are usually using the PC so it avoids automatic restarts then. They do not stop updates from downloading and installing.
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Schedule a specific restart
When an update needs a restart, Windows may offer Schedule the restart. Use it to pick a convenient time, or simply restart at a moment that suits you when prompted. This is separate from pausing: it controls when a pending update finishes, not whether future updates arrive.
Pause vs. active hours: which to use
| Goal | Use | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Delay new update activity for a while | Pause (Pick a date, up to 35 days) | Temporary; updates resume afterward |
| Avoid restarts during work hours | Active hours (automatic or manual) | Updates still download and install |
| Finish a pending update at a set time | Schedule the restart | Applies one update’s restart when you choose |
Optional: get non-security updates early
The setting Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available prioritizes eligible non-security updates, fixes, and improvements. Microsoft says security updates continue on their regular schedule whichever way the toggle is set. The trade-off is that you may see more restarts. Administrators can manage this option on managed devices. If you value stability and few interruptions, leaving it off is reasonable; if you want fixes sooner, turn it on.
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Quality updates vs. feature updates
- Quality updates are more frequent and mostly contain smaller fixes and security updates.
- Feature updates are typically annual and add functionality.
Per Microsoft, automatic feature updates are offered to consumer and non-managed business devices, and whether your Windows version is still supported determines if you keep receiving monthly updates.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fewer restarts: the 2026 change
Microsoft’s article “One restart a month for Windows updates” (published August 14, 2026) covers Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, in all editions. Starting with updates released on and after July 28, 2026, certain restart-requiring driver, .NET, and firmware updates are combined with the monthly security update, so you restart once rather than several times. Microsoft states the rollout is gradual, so your PC may not have it yet.
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Some items can still install promptly: Defender security intelligence updates, AI component updates, critical or expedited drivers, and emergency or out-of-band updates.
Review history and uninstall an update
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates to see what has been installed and remove an update that offers an uninstall option. Microsoft cautions that not all updates can be removed.
If an update won’t install
Microsoft directs Windows 11 users to start with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. If the problem began after connecting new hardware, check the manufacturer’s driver updates and installation instructions.
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