Automatic updates can cause instability at times. Here is how to pause automatic updates in Windows 11 and resume them when needed.
One of the big focal points of recent versions of Windows, especially from Windows 10, is the automatic updates. Unlike the previous versions, you don’t have to initiate the update process manually. Windows will take care of it in the background. i.e., as soon as an update is available for your system, Windows will download and install it automatically. The most significant benefit of automatic updates is your system will be up-to-date and patched up all the time. You don’t have to worry about anything.
For a vast majority of users, automatic updates are a good thing. They are way less intrusive compared to the older Windows versions. In fact, most users don’t even notice Windows updating itself in the background. This is especially true if the Active Hours feature is appropriately configured.
That being said, there will a time for everyone where you want to pause automatic updates. For example, a specific Windows update is causing issues, or specific hardware is auto-downloading buggy drivers. The good thing is, Windows 11 lets you pause automatic updates for a set period so that the problems can be sorted out either at your end or at the developer’s end.
I will now show you how to pause and resume automatic updates in Windows 11. If you ever need to pause Windows 11 automatic update, follow the steps, and you will good.
Pause Windows 11 Automatic Updates
To pause automatic updates in Windows 11, follow the below steps.
- Open the Settings app with the “Win + I” shortcut.
- Select “Windows Update” on the sidebar.
- Click the “Pause for 1 week” option next to the “Pause Updates” option.
- To pause for longer, click the dropdown icon and select the appropriate option.
- Close the Settings app.
- Restart the computer.
Below are the same steps in a bit more detail.
Unlike in Windows 10, where the option to pause updates is hidden deep inside, Windows 11 gives you the front and center option. It is even easier and less confusing to use too.
First, open the Settings app with the “Windows key + I” keyboard shortcut. Next, click on the “Windows Update” option on the sidebar. This is where you will find all the options related to updates in Windows 11.
Since we want to pause updates, click on the “Pause for 1 week” option appearing next to the “Pause Updates” heading.
If you want to pause the update even longer, click the dropdown menu icon next to the “Pause for 1 week” option and select the time period of your liking. As of now, Windows 11 lets you pause updates for up to 5 weeks.
As soon as you select the option, the updates are paused. Windows 11 will tell you the same and show the exact date until the automatic updates stay paused. Once the pause period is done, Windows 11 will automatically resume automatic updates.
If needed, you can extend the pause state by clicking the “Extent for 1 week” option or clicking one of the other dropdown options. Windows 11 lets you extend the pause state for five more weeks. This option is handy if you think your machine is still not ready for Windows updates.
After pausing updates in Windows 11, restart the computer, and you are good to go. Windows 11 no longer download automatic updates as long as the pause state is active.
Resume Windows 11 Automatic Updates
To resume paused automatic updates, follow these steps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Select “Windows Update” on the sidebar.
- Click the “Resume updates” button on the right panel.
- Close the Settings app.
With that, you have resumed updates in Windows 11. The computer will now check for any available updates and download & installs them automatically. If needed, you can click the “Check for updates” button to speed up the process.
That is all. It is that simple pause and resume automatic updates in Windows 11.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
