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How to Pause or Defer Windows 11 Feature Updates

Use Windows Update settings to pause updates for up to 35 days. Learn how Windows resumes updates, which exceptions may still install, and what managed-device policies do differently.
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On a personal Windows 11 PC, open Start > Settings > Windows Update, select Pick a date under Pause updates, and choose an available end date. The pause lasts up to 35 days from the day you set it; it is temporary, and Windows resumes checking for updates when it ends. Organizations can use separate management policies to control select feature introductions.

Pause updates on a personal Windows 11 PC

  1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Under Pause updates, select Pick a date.
  3. Choose an available end date in the calendar. Microsoft’s calendar offers dates within a 35-day period from the current date. Microsoft’s pause guidance describes this setting and its limits.

If the pause is already active and you need more time, return to the same setting and choose a new date within 35 days from today. Previous paused days do not add to the new window.

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What happens when the pause ends

Windows resumes checking for updates after the chosen end date and may download and install the latest available updates. You can also resume updates manually from Windows Update. Updates that require a restart are held until the pause ends, and Windows will not automatically restart to complete their installation during the pause. If an update is already in progress when you pause, Microsoft says that update is canceled.

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At the end of the 35-day limit, you must install the latest updates before pausing again. The Settings pause is not a permanent way to turn off automatic updates; Microsoft’s update FAQ says updates cannot be stopped entirely.

Updates that may still arrive during a pause

A pause does not necessarily delay every update category. Microsoft says Defender security intelligence updates, AI component updates, critical or expedited driver updates, and emergency or out-of-band updates can install as soon as they are available. Many updates do not require a restart. See Microsoft’s Windows update guidance for its current explanation of update behavior.

Microsoft also describes a “one restart a month” experience for updates released on or after July 28, 2026, for the Windows 11 versions listed on that page. The rollout is gradual, so it may not be available on every device. If Windows has waited a long time, it may install a combined update and restart. Treat this as rollout-dependent behavior, not a guarantee for every PC.

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Personal pause versus organization-managed feature controls

The Settings calendar is intended for an individual who wants a short delay. Organizations can instead use Windows Update policy controls to manage select feature introductions on managed devices. Microsoft says potentially disruptive features are off by default on Windows Update-managed devices until the device enables the relevant policy. Features may also arrive through monthly updates rather than only through annual feature updates. See Microsoft’s continuous-innovation guidance.

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Control Who it is for Duration and scope Where it is managed
Pause updates Individual PC users Up to 35 days from the current date; pauses updates generally, subject to exceptions described above. Settings > Windows Update
Organization policy Administrators managing devices Policy-managed deployment for select feature introductions; a specific deferral period or version-targeting procedure is not stated in the cited guidance. Windows Update management policies

For administrators, use current Microsoft deployment-policy documentation to choose the supported management method and settings for your environment. The user-facing pause calendar is not a substitute for an organization’s deployment controls.

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Check your Windows version’s support date before deferring

As of October 4, 2026, Microsoft lists Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro as reaching end of updates on October 13, 2026; Enterprise and Education editions are listed through October 12, 2027. Check Microsoft’s lifecycle page for Home and Pro or its Enterprise and Education lifecycle page for your edition. Do not use a temporary pause as a reason to remain on a version beyond its support date.

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