Pausing updates delays security patches. Use this for a short stability window — not as a permanent substitute for testing and rollback planning.
What you will achieve
Pause Windows quality (security) updates for up to one week from Settings, understand what still installs during the pause, and resume updates when you are ready.
1) Pause quality updates in Windows 11
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, open the drop-down and choose Pause for 1 week (options may show up to 5 weeks on Pro with policy).
- The banner shows the resume date. Quality updates will not download until then.
2) Pause on Windows 10
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Under Pause updates, toggle the switch on — default pause is 7 days, extendable in some builds.
3) What still installs while paused
Pausing quality updates does not block everything:
- Microsoft Defender definition updates usually continue — critical for malware protection.
- Feature updates (new Windows versions) may still be offered separately unless you defer them on Pro.
- Store app updates and driver updates from optional settings can still arrive if enabled.
Review Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options and turn off Receive updates for other Microsoft products if you want maximum quiet.
4) Resume updates early
- Return to Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Resume updates on the pause banner.
- Click Check for updates and install pending quality patches.
5) Longer deferral on Pro and Enterprise
Windows 11 Pro can defer quality updates up to 30 days via Group Policy:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Windows Update for Business → Select when Quality Updates are receivedHome editions rely on the Settings pause control only — no gpedit.
6) Document why you paused
Note the pause date and reason in your change log — for example waiting for a vendor driver fix after Patch Tuesday. Set a calendar reminder for the resume date so security patches are not forgotten indefinitely. On managed PCs, Intune or Group Policy may override manual pause settings; check with IT before pausing work machines.