Updates: How to Update Windows 8.1

This updated guide examines Updates: How to Update Windows 8.1 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Setting Up Automatic Updates

1. Swipe in from the right side of your screen and select 'Settings.'
   • If using a mouse, point to the lower right corner of your screen, move the mouse pointer up, and select 'Settings.'
2. Click on 'Change PC settings,' then select 'Update and recovery.'
3. Select 'Choose how updates get installed.'
4. Click on the dropdown menu below 'Important updates,' then select 'Install updates automatically.'
5. Place a checkmark next to 'Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates", then click on 'Apply.'
6. Close the 'Change settings' dialog box. Going forward, Microsoft will automatically install updates for Windows 8.1 at the time updates become available.^[1]

Method 2of 3:

Checking For Updates Manually

1. Swipe in from the right side of your screen and select 'Settings.'
   • If using a mouse, point to the lower right corner of your screen, move the mouse pointer up, and select 'Settings.'
2. Click on 'Change PC settings,' then select 'Update and recovery.'
3. Click on 'Check now.' Windows will begin searching for the latest updates available from Microsoft.
4. Click on 'Install updates' if updates are available.
5. Review and accept the license terms, then click on 'Finish.' Windows will then take a few moments to install the latest updates from Microsoft.

Method 3of 3:

Troubleshooting

1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix problems with Windows Update if you experience problems with installing the latest updates from Microsoft. The troubleshooter tool can identify and automatically resolve problems associated with Windows Updates.
   • Navigate to Microsoft's website at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-8 and click on the 'Windows Update Troubleshooter' link in the first sentence.
   • Save the.diagcab file to your desktop, then double-click on the file to launch the troubleshooter. Your computer will use the troubleshooter tool automatically resolve issues related to Windows Updates.
2. Use System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier point in time if your computer stops responding after it restarts and begins to install updates. The System Restore feature will help resolve and reverse problems caused by new Windows Updates.
   • Press and hold the Power button on your computer until it powers off, then press the Power button again to restart your computer. The Automatic Repair window will display on-screen.
   • Click on 'Restore' next to 'System Restore.'
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows updates after your system is restored. In most cases, updates will install correctly after performing a system restore.
3. Try restarting your computer if it fails to apply the latest updates from Microsoft. Some updates apply to files and services currently in use while your computer is turned on, and will not be applied until you restart your computer.^[2]