How to Unpause Windows Updates on Windows 11

If you paused Windows Updates for a while and now realize your system’s missing the latest security patches or feature improvements, you might be wondering how to turn updates back on. Luckily, unpausing Windows Updates in Windows 11 is simple, and you can do it from several places — whether you paused them manually, via the Settings app, or through Group Policy or the Registry.

In this guide, we’ll show you every reliable way to unpause Windows Updates on Windows 11, along with what to do if the button is greyed out or updates still won’t resume.

Why Windows Updates Get Paused

Windows 11 lets you pause updates temporarily — a handy feature when you want to delay restarts or avoid big downloads during work hours. However, you might later find updates remain paused longer than intended due to:

• You manually clicked Pause updates for 1–5 weeks in Settings.
• An organization policy (Group Policy or Registry) is controlling updates.
• Metered connections stopping automatic downloads.
• A Windows Update service stuck in a paused state.

Regardless of the reason, the solutions below will help you get updates running again.

Step 1: Unpause Updates from Windows Settings (Quickest Way)

The easiest and most direct method is through the Windows Settings app.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update from the left sidebar.
3. If updates are paused, you’ll see a message like “Updates paused until [date]”.
4. Click Resume updates.

Windows will immediately start checking for updates again.

Tip: If the “Resume updates” button is missing or greyed out, move to Step 2.

Step 2: Restart the Windows Update Services

If updates remain paused or stuck, the Windows Update services may not be running properly. Restarting them usually fixes this.

1. Press Windows + R, type: services.msc and hit Enter.
2. In the Services window, find these services:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Windows Update Medic Service
3. Right-click each one → Properties.
4. Set Startup type to Automatic.
5. Click Start if the service is stopped, then Apply → OK.

Once all services are running, close the window and try checking for updates again.

Step 3: Turn Off Metered Connection

Windows 11 won’t download updates automatically if your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is set as metered.

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet, if you’re using a wired connection).
3. Select your active connection.
4. Turn Off the toggle for Metered connection.

After disabling this, go back to Windows Update and click Check for updates to start downloading.

Step 4: Resume Updates via Group Policy Editor (For Pro & Enterprise Users)

If your updates are controlled by Group Policy, Windows may show “Some settings are managed by your organization.” You can re-enable updates manually.

1. Press Windows + R, type: gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage end user experience
3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Set it to Enabled, then choose your preferred setting (for example, Auto download and notify for install).
5. Click Apply → OK.
6. Restart your PC and open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Step 5: Unpause Updates via Registry Editor (For Home Edition)

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you can unpause updates by modifying the Registry.

Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Press Windows + R, type: regedit and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings
3. On the right side, find the value named PauseUpdatesStartTime or PauseFeatureUpdatesStartTime.
4. Right-click and select Delete for both.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

After reboot, open Settings → Windows Update, and the pause should be lifted automatically.

Step 6: Use Command Prompt to Force Resume Updates

If updates still won’t unpause, you can reset the update components manually.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver
3. Once done, close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

This resets Windows Update’s download cache, forcing it to start fresh.

Step 7: Check Windows Update Troubleshooter

If none of the above works, let Windows fix itself.

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Update.
3. Click Run.
4. Follow the recommendations provided by the troubleshooter.

After applying the fixes, restart your computer and run Check for updates again.

Step 8: Check Date & Time Settings

Incorrect system time or region can prevent Windows from contacting update servers.

1. Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
2. Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. Click Sync now under Additional settings.

Now go back to Windows Update and check for updates again.

Step 9: Reset Windows Update Components (Advanced Fix)

If the Windows Update system is deeply corrupted, you can use PowerShell to re-register all related services.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command: Get-Service -Name wuauserv,bits,cryptSvc,msiserver | Restart-Service
3. Press Enter, then restart your PC.

This command restarts all key Windows Update services.

Wrapping Up

If Windows Updates are paused, you can usually fix it within minutes by clicking Resume updates in Settings or restarting the Windows Update services. For more stubborn cases, using Group Policy, Registry tweaks, or resetting the update components will bring everything back to normal.

Once updates are running again, let Windows download and install the latest patches. Keeping your system updated ensures better performance, new features, and — most importantly — security protection.

So next time Windows says “Updates are paused,” don’t worry — just follow these steps, hit Resume, and let Windows 11 catch up.