Pause command

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope

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.

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.