Windows 10 users who have not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program are encountering a peculiar issue: the option to pause updates has vanished. The familiar “Pause updates for 7 days” feature now appears grayed out, leaving users unable to halt updates temporarily. This situation arises particularly if a user inadvertently initiates the upgrade to Windows 11, as the pause option becomes inaccessible in such scenarios. It’s important to note that Microsoft is not mandating a transition to Windows 11.
For clarity, the inability to pause updates typically occurs under specific conditions—either after multiple pauses or due to organizational restrictions via “Group Policy.” However, in this case, users who have not paused updates at all may find themselves facing this limitation. The Advanced options indicate that the pause limit has been reached, which raises eyebrows among those who have not actively engaged the feature.
Windows 10 PCs can’t pause updates unless enrolled in the ESU program
As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 has officially reached its end of support, with only ESU-enrolled devices continuing to receive monthly security patches until October 2026. For those fortunate enough to be enrolled in ESU, a new cumulative update, KB5068781, is available, but it remains inaccessible to non-ESU users.
The inability to pause updates for 7 days has become a significant concern, and while Microsoft has not confirmed whether this is a deliberate change or an oversight, evidence suggests it may be a bug. In a Windows 10 environment that has not enrolled in ESU, users are now presented with an option to “Install updates as soon as possible,” positioned just below the faded pause option.
The “Pause updates for 7 days” feature has long served as a reliable tool for Windows 10 users, allowing them to delay updates that may introduce unwanted changes or bugs. This capability was extended to Home edition users in 2019, providing a sense of control over the update process.
Upon exploring the Advanced options, users are informed that they must install the latest updates to regain the ability to pause. This presents a frustrating paradox for those who have not previously engaged the pause feature.
When selecting “Install updates as soon as possible,” a prompt appears, urging users to expedite the update process. Accepting this option initiates the download and installation of the latest updates, followed by an automatic restart of the PC. Microsoft does provide a 15-minute reminder to save work before the restart occurs.
Interestingly, after clicking this option on a non-ESU enrolled PC, the “Install updates as soon as possible” option transitions to “Don’t restart as soon as possible,” indicating a shift in the update process. The system begins checking for updates, but users may find that previous security updates have failed to install, resulting in no new updates being available.
Installing Windows 11 on Windows 10 PCs not enrolled in ESU cannot be paused
Recent reports have indicated that Windows 10 now defaults to installing the 25H2 update instead of earlier versions for users opting to upgrade without ESU enrollment. This change reflects Microsoft’s strategy to broaden access to Windows 11 25H2.
Upon selecting the “Download and install” option for Windows 11, users will discover that the pause feature is no longer available. Even after choosing “Don’t restart as soon as possible,” the system ultimately prompts a restart to complete the update process.
This behavior raises questions about whether it is a deliberate design choice or a misconfiguration within the update system. Typically, the removal of the pause option occurs only when a user has exhausted their pause allowance or when organizational policies restrict it. Neither scenario seems to apply here, suggesting a potential misinterpretation by the Windows Update system regarding the device’s update status.
Windows 10 employs a background evaluation process that assesses update readiness and flags devices that require updates. If this system erroneously categorizes a device as overdue for updates, it may disable the pause option and push the device into an expedited update mode. This explains the appearance of the “Install updates as soon as possible” option in lieu of the standard pause window.
Moreover, Windows 10 has introduced new logic to differentiate between ESU and non-ESU devices, determining eligibility for security updates and when updates become mandatory. If this logic fails, it could lead to unintended consequences, such as the forced-update state currently experienced by some non-ESU users.
While users can choose to delay updates, Windows 10 is now officially retired, and the likelihood of Microsoft addressing this issue seems slim. For those still utilizing Windows 10 without ESU enrollment, it is advisable to consider signing up for the program, which offers a year of security updates for a decade-old operating system.
How to enroll in Windows 10 ESU
Fortunately, Microsoft has made the Consumer ESU program accessible to regular users, simplifying the enrollment process. To enroll, navigate to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update and click Enroll now.
Home users have three options for enrollment. The most common route is free, requiring a sign-in with a Microsoft account and backing up PC settings. If a Microsoft account has been used on another Windows device, eligibility for free ESU is granted instantly.
For those who prefer not to back up their PC, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is an alternative. Additionally, users wishing to maintain a local account can purchase a one-year ESU license for .99. Although a temporary sign-in with a Microsoft account is necessary for the purchase, users can revert to their local account post-activation.
If concerns about upgrading to Windows 11 stem from gaming performance, Microsoft has committed to enhancing Windows 11 for gaming by 2026, adopting a new Performance Fundamentals philosophy. For those hesitant about the AI advancements in Windows 11, enrolling in Windows 10 ESU remains a prudent choice, ensuring continued security updates until October 2026.
