The safest way to stop automatic updates in Windows 11 is to pause them: open Settings > Windows Update, select Pick a date next to Pause updates, and choose a date up to 35 days away. You can extend the pause again before it ends. Windows 11 Pro can also turn automatic updates off with Group Policy, but skipping updates for long leaves your PC open to security problems.
Scope: These controls apply to Windows Update on a PC you administer. They do not promise that every Microsoft app or service will stop updating. On a work or school PC, contact IT if settings are managed. Microsoft documents that update deadlines can override automatic-update and restart preferences, including active hours.
Windows Update can also deliver Office and other Microsoft software. That is controlled by a separate switch; see how to get updates for other Microsoft products.
How to Pause Updates in Windows 11
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select Windows Update at the bottom of the left column.
- Find Pause updates under More options and select Pick a date.
- Choose the date you want updates to resume. You can pick a date up to 35 days away.
While updates are paused, your PC won’t download updates that need a restart or restart on its own to install them. Any update that was in progress when you paused is canceled. When the pause ends, Windows checks for and installs the latest updates. To end the pause early, select Resume updates.
If you are pausing because one update keeps failing, see how to fix and remove failed updates in Windows 11.
If an update is already on the restart screen, read what to do when a Windows 11 update is in progress before you turn anything off.
Extend the pause
- Go back to Settings > Windows Update before the pause ends.
- Pick a new end date on the Pause updates calendar.
The new date can be up to 35 days from today; the days you already paused aren’t added on. Microsoft says you can keep extending the pause this way, 35 days at a time. If you do nothing, updates resume on the end date. These rules come from Microsoft’s Pause updates in Windows guide.
Stop Updates From Restarting Your PC at a Bad Time
If the real problem is surprise restarts, you don’t need to block updates.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Select Active hours and set them to the hours you normally use the PC.
- When an update is waiting, select Schedule the restart on the Windows Update page and pick a time that suits you.
Windows won’t restart for updates during active hours. To restart on your own terms, see how to reboot Windows 11. You can also turn off Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available on the Windows Update page so optional feature updates don’t arrive early.
Delay Updates With a Metered Connection
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
- Select your network’s properties.
- Turn on Metered connection.
- In Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is off.
Microsoft’s metered-connection guide says Windows Update still downloads priority updates. This limits downloads on that network; it does not block every update.
Stop Automatic Driver Updates
If Windows Update keeps replacing a driver that works better in its older version:
- Select Start, type Change device installation settings, and open it.
- Select No (your device might not work as expected).
- Select Save Changes.
The prompt concerns manufacturer apps and custom icons. Do not rely on it as a guaranteed way to block Windows Update drivers. On Windows 11 Pro, the more reliable option is to enable the Do not include drivers with Windows Updates policy described in Microsoft’s update-policy documentation, under Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update. You can still update drivers yourself from Device Manager or the PC maker’s site.
Turn Off Automatic Updates With Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro)
The Local Group Policy Editor is included with Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education, not Home.
To confirm your edition or find another way in, see how to open Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 11.
- Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience.
- Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
- Select Disabled, then select OK.
With this policy disabled, available Windows Update updates must be downloaded and installed manually. You can still check for updates on the Windows Update page. Managed-device deadlines can override this behavior; see the scope note above. For a middle ground, select Enabled instead and choose Notify for download and auto install, so Windows asks before downloading. To undo either change, set the policy back to Not Configured.
If You’re Still on Windows 10
On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Pause updates for 7 days, or use Advanced options to pick a resume date. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 update FAQ.
On Windows 10 Pro, the Select the target Feature Update version group policy (product Windows 10, version 22H2) keeps the PC from being offered Windows 11. Microsoft explains the target-version policy.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Pausing updates or declining Windows 11 doesn’t change that, so check ESU eligibility if you plan to stay on Windows 10.
Why You Shouldn’t Turn Off Updates for Good
- Updates fix security holes that attackers use.
- Microsoft only supports recent versions of Windows 11, so a PC that falls far behind stops getting fixes.
- If an update causes a problem, you can uninstall it in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable the Windows Update service instead?
You can, but Microsoft doesn’t document it as a way to stop updates, and Windows can turn the service back on through the Windows Update Medic Service. A disabled service also blocks security fixes. Use the pause or Group Policy steps above instead. If you disabled the service earlier and Windows Update now shows errors, open Services, double-click Windows Update, set Startup type to Manual, and select Start.
How long can I pause Windows 11 updates?
Up to 35 days from the day you set it. You can extend the pause by picking a new end date, again up to 35 days from that day, and repeat that as needed. Updates resume on their own if you let the pause run out.
Will pausing stop driver updates too?
Pausing delays the updates Windows Update would install, but only until the date you set. To keep drivers out of Windows Update on Pro for good, use the driver policy above.
Is there a way to turn off updates on Windows 11 Home?
Not permanently through Settings. Home users can pause and extend the pause, set a metered connection, and use active hours to avoid restarts.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are checked step by step against the device or app maker’s own documentation and tested on his own devices whenever he has the hardware or software, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
Read more about Matthew and how Solve Your Tech writes and updates its guides, or report a correction.