Updates: How to Update Windows

This updated guide examines Updates: How to Update Windows and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Updating Windows 10

1. Click the Startbutton. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
   • Windows periodically checks for updates and installs them automatically. You can still use this method to check for updates that have been released since the last update check ran.^[1]
   • After Windows installs an automatic update, it may prompt you to reboot your computer. If you see a message asking you to reboot (or schedule a reboot), follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
2. Click Settings. It's toward the bottom of the menu.
3. ClickUpdate & security. It's the option with two curved arrows.
4. ClickCheck for updates. It's at the top of the right panel. Windows will check for updates.
   • If no updates are available, you'll see a message that says ″Windows is up to date.″
   • If updates are available, they'll download automatically. The progress appears at the top of the right panel below ″Updates available.″
   • Leave this window open as the update installs so you'll know whether you need to restart your computer.
5. Restart your computer when prompted. If you see a message that says ″Restart required″ after running the update tool, you can either reboot now, or schedule a reboot for later.
   • To reboot now, save anything you're working on, close all applications, and then click Restart now (on the Windows Update window).
   • To schedule a reboot for later, click Schedule the restart (on the Windows Update window), slide the switch to the On (blue) position, and then select a time you won't be busy on the computer.
6. Troubleshoot a failed update. If the update fails or you receive an error, try the following troubleshooting steps:^[2]
   • Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
   • Try restarting the computer and running the update tool again.
   • If the update still fails, return to Settings → Update & Security and click Troubleshoot on the left panel. Click Windows Update under ″Get up and running,″ and then follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem.

Method 2of 3:

Changing Windows 10 Update Preferences

1. Click the Startbutton. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
   • Though Windows installs most updates automatically, you have some control over the way the updates happen. Use this method to fine-tune the updates that occur behind the scenes.
2. Click Settings. It's toward the bottom of the menu.
3. ClickUpdate & security. It's the option with two curved arrows.
4. ClickAdvanced options. It's toward the bottom of the right panel.
5. Use the switches under ″Update Options″ to set your preferences.
   • Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows: Toggle this switch on if you want Windows Update to check for updates for products such as Office, Edge, and Visio.
   • Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections: If you pay for internet service based on the amount of data you use, keep this switch in the off (gray) position.^[3]When this switch is off, you'll be notified of new updates but have to agree to download them.
   • We'll show a reminder when we're going to restart: (some screens may say "Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating") If you want to notifications about restarting, turn this on: It's a good idea to turn this on so Windows does not surprise you by rebooting your computer at an inopportune time.
6. Click the back button. It's at the top-left corner of the window. This brings you back to the Windows Update window.
7. ClickChange active hours. It's in the right panel, right above ″View update history.″
8. Choose the hours you are most active on the computer. Since Windows must restart your computer after installing certain critical updates, you'll want to make sure it doesn't happen when you're in the middle of something important. Set the start and end times (the maximum amount of time is 18 hours), and then click Save .

Method 3of 3:

Updating Windows 7

1. Click the Start button. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. ClickAll programs. A list of all apps will appear.
3. ClickWindows Update. This launches the Windows Update tool.^[4]
4. ClickCheck for updates. Wait as the Windows Update tool scans for updates that you have not installed.
5. ClickInstall updatesif updates are available. If Windows finds updates for you to install, you'll see the number of updates appear near the top of the window. Clicking the button will begin the installation.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish updating your computer. Most updates require that you restart your computer to complete the installation. Once the computer comes back up, the computer will be up to date.
   • Depending on the types of updates available for your computer, you may have to run the update tool a second time to finish the installation. Keep your eye on the system tray (the area where the clock is) when the computer comes back up—if you see a message that says updates must be installed (or an icon of a yellow or red shield with an ″!″ inside), click it, and then follow the on-screen instructions.