timeout.exe is a command introduced in Windows Vista (2006) to pause the execution of batch files.
Previously, common methods to pause Windows batch file execution included:

  1. Using ping:
ping 127.0.0.1 -n [seconds+1] > nul
  1. Using waits.vbs:
Wscript.Sleep 10000
  1. Using choice.exe:
choice /T 10 /C YNC /D Y /M "Pause for 10 seconds"

C:\Windows\System32\timeout.exe is a more straightforward method.

Command options

timeout /T seconds
timeout /T seconds /NOBREAK

When timeout.exe runs, it shows a countdown in seconds, and pressing any key will cancel the pause.
With the /NOBREAK option, pressing a key does not cancel the pause.

C:\temp>timeout /T 10

Waiting for  3 seconds, press a key to continue ...

1. 💡 Related Links

✅ Explanation article (Traditional Chinese):
✅ Explanation article (English)
✅ Explanation article (Japanese)

#pause #command #batch