Windows helps keep your device secure and reliable by downloading and installing updates automatically. But what if you’re traveling, attending a conference, on vacation, or you want to avoid interruptions during an important presentation or deadline? If you need more time, you can pause updates.Â
With the latest Pause updates experience, you can choose a specific end date for the pause and extend it when needed.Â
Pause updates
To pause updates until a specific date:
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Select Start  > Settings  > Windows Update .
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Select Pick a date on the Pause updates control.
When you pause updates, you’re temporarily delaying updates until the date you choose. This doesn’t permanently turn off automatic updates. When you resume updates, Windows will check for updates again and may need to re-download and reinstall them.
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Updates that might require a restart won’t be downloaded or installed until the pause ends.
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Your device won’t restart automatically to finish installation of the updates until the pause ends.
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After the pause ends, your device will check for, download, and install the latest available updates.
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If updates are in progress when you pause updates, those updates are canceled.
You can pause updates for up to 35 days from the current date. The calendar only allows you to select dates within the supported pause period, so you won't be able to select dates in future months if they’re more than 35 days away.Â
You can resume updates manually at any time. When you resume updates, your device checks for updates and then downloads and installs the latest available updates.
Extend the update pause
If updates are already paused and you need more time, you can extend the pause. To extend:
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Select Start  > Settings  > Windows Update .
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Select a new end date on the Pause updates calendar.
When you extend a pause:Â
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The new end date can be up to 35 days from today (previously paused time doesn’t get added on).
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The calendar only allows dates within the supported pause period, so some dates in future months might be unavailable.
You can extend a pause again later, as long as the new end date is within 35 days from the current date.
You can always extend pause again later, following the same 35 days limit.Â
If you do nothing, updates resume automatically when the pause expires to help keep your device secure and reliable.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Learn more​​​​​​​
Windows helps keep your device secure and reliable by downloading and installing updates automatically. But what if you’re traveling, attending a conference, on vacation, or you want to avoid interruptions during an important presentation or deadline? If you need more time, you can pause updates.Â
With the latest Pause updates experience, you can choose a specific end date for the pause and extend it when needed.
Pause updates
In Windows 10, if you are not ready to get recommended updates, you can pause the update from being downloaded and installed. In Windows 10, version 1903 (or later), Windows 10 Pro, version 1809, or Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1809:
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Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security > Windows Update .
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Select either Pause updates for 7 days or Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the dropdown menu and specify a date for updates to resume.
When updates are paused:
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Windows does not download or install new updates.
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Updates that require a restart are postponed.
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Your device does not restart automatically to complete update installation.
Pausing updates does not permanently turn off automatic updates. Updates resume automatically on the selected date.
