How to Pause Windows (and Mac) Updates
Even though configuring your computer for automatic updates is set by default on new computers, sometimes users turn this off because it gets in the way. Then they forget to turn updates back on and miss important system updates. Here are some easy steps to follow if you need to temporarily pause updates on your Windows 11/10 computer or your Mac.
How to Pause Windows 11 Updates
Windows 11 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. If you’re not ready to get recommended updates, you can choose to temporarily pause them from being downloaded and installed. (But I recommend pausing updates only if you have a really good reason, so you never miss an important update.)
- Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select the amount of time you’d like to pause for.
Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.
Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:
- Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select “Schedule the restart” and choose a time that’s convenient for you.
How to Pause Windows 10 Updates
Windows 10 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. If you’re not ready to get recommended updates, you can choose to temporarily pause them from being downloaded and installed. In Windows 10, version 1903 (or later), Windows 10 Pro, version 1809, or Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1809, do the following:
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select either “Pause updates for 7 days” or “Advanced options”. Then, in the “Pause updates” section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.
Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.
Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select “Schedule the restart” and choose a time that’s convenient for you.
Pause Updates on a Mac (Current Version of macOS Ventura Only)
To stop a Mac from automatically installing updates is a bit different. All Macs come with this option turned off, but if you really want to disable automatic updates, here are the steps to do so. (NOTE: Every previous version of macOS had a slightly different way to disable automatic updates. I’m only listing the steps for the most current version of macOS Ventura since you should be using this version.)
- Launch the “System Settings” app.
- Tap on “General”.
- Click on “Software Update”.
- Tap the (i) button towards the top right corner.
- Disable “Install macOS updates” and/or “Install application updates from the App Store” based on your personal preferences.
- Now you will need to install future updates manually.
- To turn auto updates back on, reverse the actions in step (5.) above.
Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club