---
title: "Stop building a project on CircleCI"
description: "Stop building a project on CircleCI while keeping its build history, and see how this option compares with pausing pipelines during an incident."
platform: "Cloud, Server"
doc_version: "Server"
last_updated: "2026-10-20"
server_min_version: "4.10 and later"
---

> For current CircleCI product defaults, deprecated patterns, and Cloud/Server differences, see [AGENTS.md](https://circleci.com/docs/AGENTS.md).
>
> For the complete documentation index and site structure, see [llms.txt](https://circleci.com/docs/llms.txt).

# Stop building a project on CircleCI

**Server version:** 4.10 and later

## Introduction

This page outlines how to stop builds for a project on CircleCI.

For how this option fits with **Block all new work**, cancelling running workflows, and follower behavior during an incident, see [Pause or Stop Pipelines During an Incident](https://circleci.com/docs/guides/server/orchestrate/pause-pipelines-during-an-incident/).

## Stop building a project

The **Stop Building** option does not automatically remove all project data from the CircleCI databases.

**Stop Building** removes all project followers, cancels all running workflows in the background, and removes VCS integration (webhook and deploy key). If you only want to prevent **new** pipelines while keeping the project connected and letting in-progress workflows finish, use [Block All New Work](https://circleci.com/docs/guides/server/orchestrate/skip-build/#enable-block-new-work-for-a-project) in Advanced project settings instead.

If you are using the GitHub OAuth App, Bitbucket Cloud, or CircleCI Server, to stop building one of your projects on CircleCI, follow these steps:

1.  Go to the **Project Settings** page in the CircleCI web app for the project you want to stop.
    
2.  Scroll to the bottom of the Overview page and select **Stop Building**. You will need to reconfirm your choice in the popup.
    

> **Image:** Stop building button in Project settings > Overview

Figure 1. Stop Building button in Project settings > Overview

If you want to start building this project again, just go to the **Projects** page in the web app and select **Set Up Project** and follow the set up steps.