Have you ever been in the middle of something important, only for your computer to suddenly say, “Restart required to finish updates”? Frustrating, right? Windows 11 updates are essential for security and performance, but sometimes you just don’t want them right now. Whether you want to pause, delay, or permanently stop updates, this guide has you covered.
Why Stop a Windows 11 Update?
Before you proceed, ask yourself: why do you want to stop the update? Here are common reasons:
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Avoid unexpected restarts during work or gaming.
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Prevent compatibility issues with certain apps or hardware.
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Save data when using a metered internet connection.
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Postpone major updates until bugs are fixed.
Stopping updates temporarily is safe, but long-term disabling may expose your system to risks.
Can You Permanently Stop Windows 11 Updates?
Microsoft doesn’t want you to, but yes—there are methods to:
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Pause updates temporarily.
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Disable the Windows Update service.
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Block updates via Group Policy or Registry Editor.
Let’s explore each method step by step.
Method 1: Pause Windows 11 Updates (Quick & Easy)
This is the safest and easiest method.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
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Press Win + I.
Step 2: Go to Windows Update
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Navigate to Windows Update in the left panel.
Step 3: Pause Updates
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Click Pause for 1 week.
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You can extend it up to 5 weeks.
This won’t uninstall updates—just pauses new ones.
Method 2: Stop an Update in Progress
What if the update has already started downloading?
Step 1: Disconnect the Internet
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Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug Ethernet.
Step 2: Stop Windows Update Service
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Press Win + R, type
services.msc, press Enter. -
Find Windows Update service.
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Right-click > Stop.
Step 3: Clear Downloaded Update Files
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Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
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Delete all files inside.
Method 3: Disable Windows Update Service
Want a longer-term solution? Disable the service.
Step 1: Open Services
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Press Win + R, type
services.msc.
Step 2: Find Windows Update
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Scroll down, right-click Windows Update > Properties.
Step 3: Change Startup Type
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Set to Disabled.
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Click Stop, then Apply.
This will stop updates until you manually enable them.
Method 4: Stop Updates via Group Policy Editor
(Only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education)
Step 1: Open Group Policy
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update Settings
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Go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update
Step 3: Configure Automatic Updates
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Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
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Select Disabled.
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Click Apply > OK.
Method 5: Stop Updates via Registry Editor
(For advanced users—be careful!)
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Windows Update Key
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Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
Step 3: Modify or Create Keys
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Right-click > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it
NoAutoUpdate. -
Set value to 1.
Method 6: Set a Metered Connection
This tricks Windows into limiting updates.
Step 1: Go to Network Settings
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Settings > Network & internet.
Step 2: Select Your Network
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Click on Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
Step 3: Turn On Metered Connection
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Toggle Set as metered connection to On.
Method 7: Use a Third-Party Update Blocker
Some tools (e.g., StopUpdates10, Wu10Man) let you control updates more easily.
Warning: Only download from trusted sources.
Risks of Stopping Windows 11 Updates
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Security vulnerabilities may remain unpatched.
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App incompatibility with newer versions.
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Missed performance improvements.
If you disable updates permanently, consider manually checking for critical updates monthly.
How to Resume Updates Later
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Go to Settings > Windows Update > Resume updates.
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Or re-enable the Windows Update service in
services.msc.
Should You Block Updates Permanently?
Only if:
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You’re using the PC for specific tasks that require a stable setup.
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You’re testing software and want no interruptions.
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You have strong security practices (firewall, antivirus, etc.).
Otherwise, pausing or delaying updates is a better approach.
Final Thoughts
Stopping a Windows 11 update isn’t complicated—you just need to choose the right method for your situation. Whether you want a quick pause, a temporary stop, or a more permanent block, the options above give you full control. Just remember: updates are there to protect and improve your PC, so don’t leave them off forever.
FAQs
1. Can I stop a Windows update already installing?
Not safely. Interrupting an ongoing update may corrupt your system.
2. How long can I pause updates in Windows 11?
Up to 5 weeks via the built-in pause feature.
3. Does disabling updates improve performance?
It can prevent sudden slowdowns during updates but doesn’t directly speed up Windows.
4. Will my PC become insecure without updates?
Yes, especially if you skip critical security patches.
5. Can I uninstall a specific update instead?
Yes, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.