---
id: moving-folders.how-do-i-pause-automatic-moves
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/how-do-i-pause-automatic-moves
category: "Moving folders"
subcategory: "Rules and Auto Rules"
question: "How do I pause automatic moves?"
alt_questions:
  - "Stop the app moving things on its own"
  - "Pause automatic actions"
  - "Turn off rules temporarily"
  - "Stop Service vs Pause"
short_answer: "Click Pause in the menu bar popover to stop automatic actions until you resume; your rules are kept. Stop Service halts everything automatic until you start it again. Files already moved stay moved either way."
tags: ["pause", "rules", "automatic"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/what-are-move-rules", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/how-do-i-stop-auto-rules-applying-anything-automatically"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I pause automatic moves?

Click **Pause** in the menu bar popover. Automatic actions stop and Storage Studio only does things when you ask; resume whenever you're ready. Your rules are kept either way.

For a full stop, **Stop Service** halts everything automatic until you click **Start Service** again. Files already on the fast drive stay there and links stay in place — nothing is lost.

If you just want Storage Studio to stay out of the way while you work, Quiet Hours already holds off automatic actions while you're active, on low battery or in a meeting.

See [What are move rules?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/what-are-move-rules)