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How to Pause and Resume Windows 11 Updates

Use Settings > Windows Update to pause updates for up to 35 days, resume them early, or adjust Active hours to reduce restart interruptions.
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Pause Windows 11 updates from Start > Settings > Windows Update, then choose an end date under Pause updates. To install updates sooner, return to Windows Update and select Resume updates. A pause is temporary: Microsoft currently allows up to 35 days, after which updates resume automatically.

How to pause Windows 11 updates

  1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Beside Pause updates, choose the duration you want. If the calendar appears, select Pick a date and choose an end date within the dates Windows offers.

Microsoft’s current instructions allow a pause of up to 35 days from the day you set it. Windows holds updates that may require a restart during the pause; it does not automatically restart to complete their installation. If an update is already in progress when you pause, Microsoft says that update is canceled. Microsoft’s pause instructions describe the current steps and limits.

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How to resume updates before the pause ends

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Select Resume updates.
  3. Check the update status on the Windows Update page. If updates are available, choose Download & install.

Resuming prompts Windows to check for updates. Some updates may need to be downloaded and installed again. If you do not resume manually, updates resume automatically when the pause reaches its end date. Microsoft notes that resuming may require updates to be downloaded and installed again.

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How long can you pause updates, and can you extend the pause?

The current Microsoft guidance permits a pause of up to 35 days. You can choose a new end date to extend an existing pause, but paused days do not accumulate: the new date can be no more than 35 days from the day you set it. Windows limits the calendar to dates in the supported period.

Pausing does not permanently disable automatic updates. Microsoft says that after reaching the pause limit, you must install the latest updates before you can pause again. Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ explains that updates cannot be stopped entirely.

Pause updates or use Active hours?

Option Use it when What it does
Pause updates You need to defer updates temporarily. Delays updates until the selected end date or until you resume them.
Active hours You want to reduce the chance of an automatic restart interrupting your usual working time, but do not need to defer updates. Helps prevent automatic restarts during the hours you typically use the PC; it does not pause updates.

To configure Active hours, open Settings > Windows Update and look for the restart or Active hours settings. Available controls can vary by Windows version. See Microsoft’s guidance on Active hours.

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  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
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  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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What to expect from Windows 11 restarts

Microsoft’s support document, published August 14, 2026, says updates released on or after July 28, 2026 bring together some updates that require a restart into a once-monthly restart experience for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1, across all editions. The rollout is gradual, so the experience may not be available on every device. Microsoft says driver, .NET, and firmware updates align with the monthly security update, while Defender security intelligence, AI component, critical or expedited driver, and emergency or out-of-band updates may still install as soon as available. This is version- and rollout-specific, not a guarantee that every update waits for a monthly restart. Read Microsoft’s dated update on the monthly restart experience.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$285.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$245.99
Rank #4
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
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  • 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
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Rank #3

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