How to Pause Updates in Windows 10

When working on the PC and you are in the middle of something important, you surely don’t want any interruption. In that case, the feature of automatic updates in Windows 10 can be problematic in that case. Also, if you are using limited mobile data, then the Windows 10 automatic update can be costly. But the good thing is that you can pause the updates. Here, we are going to show you how to do just that.

From the PC Settings App

As part of this process, the automatic update for Windows 10 will be paused for 35 days. After a specific time, the update will resume. This is a very simple and easy method. Here is what you need to do:

1. First, go to the ‘Settings’ from the start menu or press ‘Windows + I’. For Power users, you have to go to PowerShell or the command prompt to open the Settings app.
2. After that, go to ‘Update and Security‘.
3. Click on ‘Windows Update.’
4. You will find ‘Pause updates for seven days. Select that. Then the update will be paused for seven days.
5. You can click on it multiple times. It will then be paused for a maximum of 35 days.
6. There are also options to pause the task up to a specific date. Go to "Advanced Options" which will be on the same page.
7. Then you will find another option: "Select date." You can select it from the drop-down menu. Again, you can delay the update for up to 35 days.
8. After doing all the steps, the update will be paused for a maximum of 35 days. But remember that after 35 days, the update will take place automatically.

Turn on Flight Mode

If no other method works, then you can choose this option. But remember that you will get an active internet connection as well. The "Flight Mode" will block the updates. It is helpful while playing games without the internet.

1. Just go to the "Notifications" icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your PC and click on "Flight mode".
2. Then, the Wi-Fi connection will be inactive. It will stop the Windows 10 update temporarily.

Turn on Metered Connection

While using the mobile data, if we want to limit the internet activity in the background, then we need to go to ‘metered connection settings’.

1. First, go to the ‘Settings’ from the start menu.
2. Then go to "All Settings". You can also go there by clicking on the ‘Notifications’ icon.
3. After that, you will find "Network and Internet". Click on that and go to "Status."
4. You will see the active connection on the right-side panel. Go to "Change connection properties".
5. Now find the "Metered Connection" and turn the bar on.
6. If you want to resume the update, just turn off the bar.

Command to pause the update

This is applicable if you want to pause the update for a very short time, maybe for a few minutes or a few hours. To do that, you need to go to Command Prompt.

1. From the "Start menu," you need to type "cmd". Then the "Command Prompt" will appear. You need to right-click on that. You will find an option, "Run as Administrator". Select that.

1. You will get the admin rights and the Command Prompt will open.
2. Type the following command.

> net stop wuauserv

> net stop bits

> net stop dosvc

The first command is to stop the update. The next one is for stopping the service of "Background Intelligent Transfer," and the final one is for stopping the service of "Delivery Optimization".

4. After this, the automatic will be paused.

To resume the task:

1. Again, go to the ‘Command Prompt’ just like it was explained before and after doing that, execute a few commands.
2. Type the following command.

> net start wuauserc

> net start bits

> net start dosvc

5. The update will resume shortly.