How to enable / disable the Pause Updates feature for Windows Update in Windows 10

Updates can be postponed for up to 35 days

Windows Update keeps Windows 10 up to date by downloading and installing the latest updates, drivers, and hotfixes released by Microsoft.

Starting with Windows 10 build 15002, you can temporarily delay installing updates for up to 7 days (for Insiders users) or 35 days (for those who are not Insiders users). Some updates, like the Windows Defender definition update, will continue to be installed.

Starting with Windows 10 version 1809, you can use a new group policy to remove access to the "Pause updates" feature.

Starting with Windows 10 version 1903, Windows 10 Home edition may pause the update.

Note : You must be logged in as an administrator to enable or disable the Pause updates feature.

Turn on / off the Pause updates feature using the Local Group Policy Editor

Local Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education editions.

Step 1. Open Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 2. On the left side of the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the location below.

Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Update

Step 3. On the right side of Windows Update in the Local Group Policy Editor, double-click the policy Remove access to "Pause updates" feature to edit.

Step 4. Follow step 6 (to turn on) or step 7 (to turn off) below, depending on what you want to do.

Step 5. To turn on Pause Updates, select Not Configured or Disabled , click OK and go to step 7 below. Not Configured is the default setting.

Step 6. To turn off Pause Updates, select Enabled , click OK and go to step 7 below.

Step 7. Close Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 8. Restart the computer to apply the changes.