We all know that whenever there is an update available, Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs the update in the background. If the update requires a reboot, Windows 10 automatically schedules the restart outside the active hours.

With default settings, Windows 10 automatically checks for updates and downloads them when they are available. The problem with this default behavior is that you might see webpages opening slowly while huge updates are being downloaded.

Users who have high-speed internet connection might not experience this slow web browsing issue, but users who are on slow internet connection often complain about this issue.

Would not it be handy if there was an option to pause Windows Update downloads? Would not it be good if there was an easy option to pause an ongoing Windows Update?

As of now, Windows 10 doesn’t offer a pause button or option under Windows Update settings, but you can pause an ongoing Windows Update download by stopping Windows Update, background intelligent transfer, and delivery optimization services.

Since there is no official way to pause Windows Update downloads, at times, Windows Update might begin downloading updates all over again by ignoring or deleting already or partially downloaded update files.

If, for some reason, you want to pause Windows Update downloads for the time being or permanently, you can use the given below directions.

Important: We always recommend installing updates as and when they are available. Windows 10 gets fixes and new features via Windows Update, and pausing or stopping Windows Update is not recommended unless you want to pause Windows Update for a short while.

Method 1 of 5

Pause Windows Updates via the Setting app

IMPORTANT: This feature is available in Windows 10 build 14997 or later builds only.

Step 1: Open the Settings app. Click Update & security. Click Windows Update.

Step 2: Under the Update settings page, you should see the Advanced options link. Click Advanced options link to open the Advanced update settings page.

Step 3: Here, turn on Pause Updates to pause updates that are being downloaded. When you turn on Pause Updates, Windows 10 will pause currently available updates up to 35 days.

Method 2 of 5



Pause Windows Update downloads via Command Prompt

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do so, right-click on the Start button on the taskbar and click Command Prompt (Admin). Click Yes button when you see the User Account Control prompt.

Step 2: Type the following commands one after another, and don’t forget to press Enter key after pressing each command.

net stop wuauserv

It might take a while to stop the Windows Update service.

net stop bits

Stops background intelligent transfer service.

net stop dosvc

Stops delivery optimization service.

Step 3: Windows Update should now pause.

Resume Windows Update downloads

Step 1: Open Command Prompt with admin rights.

Step 2: Execute the following commands to start all stopped services and resume Windows Update downloads.

net start wuauserc

(press Enter key)

net start bits

(press Enter key)

net start dosvc

(press Enter key)

Step 3: Navigate to Settings app > Update & security > Windows Update. You should see Windows Update resuming downloads. If not, wait for a while.

If Windows Update is not checking for updates after resuming Windows Update, you might need to clear Windows Update cache to make Windows Update check for updates again and begin downloading available updates all over again.

Use the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter to address issues related to Windows Update.

Method 3 of 5



Make Windows 10 notify you before downloading updates

If you take control over Windows Update and want to stop Windows Update from automatically downloading available updates, you can do so with the help of Group Policy (requires Pro edition).

Step 1: Type Gpedit.msc in Start or taskbar search and press Enter key.

Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.

Step 3: Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.

Step 4: Choose Enabled and then choose Notify for download and notify for install. Click Apply.

Method 4 of 5



Turn on the metered connection

Since Windows 10 doesn’t download updates when on metered network, you could set your current network as metered to pause Windows Update downloads. Navigate to Settings app > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, click on current Wi-Fi network and then turn on Set as metered connection.

Method 5 of 5



Turn on Airplane mode

The other option is to quickly turn on Airplane mode. Turning on Airplane mode turns off all wireless communications. This might not work for users using wired connections.

Enjoy Windows 10!

Don’t forget to check our how to postpone or delay Windows Updates in Windows 10 guide.