Stop Windows 11 Update in Progress – Safely Pause or Cancel Updates

Windows 11 installs updates automatically to improve security and performance. However, sometimes you may need to Stop Windows 11 update in progress. Maybe the update is stuck. Perhaps the download is slowing your system. Or the update is causing high CPU usage. No matter the reason, there are safe ways to pause or stop the update without damaging Windows.

This guide explains simple and effective methods to cancel, pause, or stop a running Windows update in Windows 11. Follow each step carefully to avoid system issues.

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⚠️ Important Warning Before You Stop an Update

Interrupting an update during the installation phase may harm your system.
Stopping an update while it is downloading is safe.
Stopping an update while it is pending restart is also safe.

If your PC says “Installing”, “Do not turn off your PC”, or is at a blue update screen, do NOT power off unless it is stuck for long periods.

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🛠️ Method 1: Stop Windows Update Using Services

This method stops the update service instantly.

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find Windows Update in the list.
4. Right-click it and select Stop.
5. Next, find these two services and stop them as well:
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Windows Update Medic Service

This action halts any active update download or installation process.

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📁 Method 2: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This method clears the current update files. It works when Windows Update gets stuck.

1. Stop the Windows Update service using Method 1.
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Go to:
   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
4. Select all files and delete them.
5. Restart your PC.

Windows will download fresh update files next time.

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⏸️ Method 3: Pause Updates from Windows Settings

This is the safest method if the update is still downloading.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Windows Update.
3. Select Pause for 1 week.

This instantly stops the update from continuing.

You can repeat this action for up to 5 weeks.

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📶 Method 4: Turn On Metered Connection (Stops Downloads)

A metered connection forces Windows to stop downloading large files, including updates.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
4. Open your network and enable Metered connection.

This method is useful when updates keep starting automatically.

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🔧 Method 5: Use the Command Prompt to Stop Updates

If the update is running aggressively, use commands to shut it down.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type these commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop dosvc

These commands stop all related update services.

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🛡️ Method 6: Disable Windows Update Temporarily

If you want Windows to stop updating entirely:

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Right-click Windows Update.
4. Select Properties.
5. Set Startup type to Disabled.
6. Click Apply.

This prevents Windows from starting updates again.
You can re-enable the service anytime.

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🧹 Method 7: Stop Updates Using Group Policy (Pro, Enterprise)

This method works only for Windows 11 Pro or higher.

1. Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc.
2. Go to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage End User Experience
3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Choose Disabled.
5. Click Apply.

This prevents updates from downloading or installing.

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💡 When Is It Safe to Stop a Windows Update?

You can stop updates safely if they are:

• Downloading
• Pending install
• Preparing to install
• Pending restart

Do not interrupt updates at these stages:

• Installing updates at 20%, 50%, 90%
• “Do not turn off your PC” screen
• Blue update screens

Stopping here risks data loss or corruption.

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🔁 What If the Update Is Stuck?

If the update is frozen for over 1 hour, then you can force shutdown by holding the power button.
After restart, use the methods above to clear or reset update files.

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✅ Conclusion

Stopping a Windows update in Stop Windows 11 update in progress is possible and safe when done correctly. You can stop downloads, pause updates, or disable the update system entirely. However, always avoid interrupting updates during the final installation stage. Use the safe methods above to protect your system and maintain stability.