The pause command is used within a computer batch file. It allows the computer to pause the currently running batch file until the user presses any key.

Availability

Pause is an internal command that is available in the following Microsoft operating systems.

  • Availability

  • Pause syntax

  • Pause examples

  • All Versions of MS-DOS

  • Windows 95

  • Windows 98

  • Windows ME

  • Windows NT

  • Windows 2000

  • Windows XP

  • Windows Vista

  • Windows 7

  • Windows 8

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 11

Pause syntax

Suspends processing of a batch program and displays the message: Press any key to continue.

PAUSE

Pause examples

pause

When placed in a batch file, pause stops the file from running until you press a key to continue.

  • See our pause definition for further information and related links on this term.