A Windows Update Keeps Failing or Broke Something? Pause, Resume, and Defer It

A specific update keeps failing on retry, or one installed and caused a problem — and you want to stop Windows from pushing it while you sort it out.

Why this helps: pausing Windows Update buys you time. Microsoft lets you pause for up to 35 days, during which nothing downloads or installs. That’s usually long enough for Microsoft to ship a corrected cumulative update — so when you resume, you often get the fixed build instead of the one that kept failing, sidestepping the bad package entirely.

Fix 1: Pause updates

1. Select Start → Settings → Windows Update.
2. On the Pause updates control, select Pick a date and choose how long to pause (up to 35 days from today).
3. While paused, updates that need a restart won’t download or install, and the PC won’t restart on its own to finish them.

If you do nothing, updates resume automatically when the pause expires — so you stay secure even if you forget.

Fix 2: Resume to get a corrected build

Once Microsoft has had time to issue a fix (often the next monthly cumulative update), resume and let it pull the newer package.

1. Go to Start → Settings → Windows Update.
2. Select Resume updates (you can resume manually any time).
3. The PC checks for updates and installs the latest available — frequently a newer build that supersedes the one that was failing.

You can also extend the pause: on the Pause updates calendar, pick a new end date up to 35 days from today.

Fix 3: Uninstall an update that broke something

If a problem update already installed and caused issues, remove it instead of waiting.

1. Select Start → Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
2. Scroll down and select Uninstall updates.
3. Find the update by its KB number, select Uninstall, and restart.
4. Then pause updates (Fix 1) so Windows doesn’t immediately reinstall the same one.

FAQ

How long can I pause for? Up to 35 days from today. When that window ends, updates resume automatically to keep the device secure; you can then start a new pause if needed.

Does pausing turn off updates permanently? No — it’s a temporary delay. Updates that would need a restart simply wait until the pause ends or you resume manually.

The same update keeps failing even after a pause and resume — what now? Pause again, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter and, if needed, reset the update components before resuming.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Pause updates in Windows, Microsoft Support — Troubleshoot problems updating Windows