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