How to Update Windows and Fix Update Problems

In short

Windows Update keeps your computer secure and working well by installing fixes from Microsoft. This tutorial shows you how to check for updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10, control when your computer restarts, find optional driver updates, and what to do when an update is stuck or fails. Keep automatic updates on; pausing for a short while is fine, but turning them off for good leaves your computer exposed.

Before you start

Find out which version you have: press the Windows logo key, type winver and press Enter. A small window shows “Windows 11” or “Windows 10” and a version number. The menu names in this tutorial differ slightly between the two.

Windows downloads most updates automatically in the background, then asks to restart to finish installing. Before a big update, save your work, plug in a laptop and make sure your important files are backed up.

Updates come in a few kinds:

• Quality and security updates, released regularly, fix problems and security holes.
• Feature updates bring new versions of Windows with new features, usually once a year.
• Optional updates include some drivers for printers and other hardware. You can install them when you need them.

Key terms

• Windows Update: the part of Windows Settings that downloads and installs updates from Microsoft.
• Restart required: most updates only finish installing when the computer restarts.
• Active hours: the times you usually use the computer, when Windows avoids restarting automatically.
• Pause updates: a temporary delay of updates, for example during a busy week.
• Driver: software that lets Windows use a piece of hardware, such as a printer or graphics card.

Lesson 1: check for and install updates

Windows 11

1. Select Start, then Settings (or press Windows logo key + I).
2. Select Windows Update at the bottom of the left-hand list.
3. Select Check for updates. Windows lists anything available and starts downloading.
4. When the button changes to Restart now, save your work and select it. Your computer may restart more than once and show “Working on updates”. Don’t switch it off during this.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and let the downloads finish.
3. Select Restart now when it appears.

Checkpoint: after restarting, return to Windows Update and check again. Repeat until it says You’re up to date.

Lesson 2: control restarts and pauses

1. In Windows Update, open Advanced options and choose Active hours. Let Windows set them automatically, or set your usual working hours yourself.
2. If you need to delay updates briefly, choose an option such as Pause for 1 week. Updates resume automatically afterward; when they do, install them promptly.
3. Turn on Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating (Windows 11) so you’re warned before a restart.
4. To pick a restart time, select the small arrow or Schedule the restart option next to Restart now when an update is waiting.

Lesson 3: optional updates and drivers

1. In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. In Windows 10, open Windows Update and select View optional updates.
2. Expand Driver updates. If one matches hardware you’re having trouble with, such as your printer, tick it and select Download & install.
3. Leave other optional updates alone if everything works; they aren’t required.

If a printer still misbehaves, see installing printer drivers safely.

Check that it worked

Open Windows Update: it should say You’re up to date, with a recent “last checked” time. Select Update history to see the updates that installed. Then open the Windows Security app and confirm protection shows no warnings; our Windows security basics tutorial explains what each section means.

If something goes wrong

• The update is stuck at a percentage: large updates can sit at one number for a long time. Leave the computer plugged in for at least an hour before doing anything; if there’s truly no progress, restart it and check again.
• ”Not enough space” errors: open Settings > System > Storage, use the cleanup recommendations and empty the Recycle Bin, or connect a USB drive if Windows offers to use one temporarily. Our tutorial on a computer running slow covers freeing space.
• An update fails with an error code: restart and try again. Windows includes a Windows Update troubleshooter; Microsoft’s troubleshooting page in Official documentation shows where to find it in your version, and you can search Microsoft’s support site for the exact code.
• Something stopped working after an update: check for a newer update first. In Update history, Uninstall updates lets you remove a recent quality update if needed.
• A message says your PC can’t run the next version of Windows: your current version keeps getting security updates for a period set by Microsoft. Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ explains the options.

If problems continue, use the help pages on Microsoft’s official support website. Be wary of pop-ups or calls claiming your updates have “failed” and offering paid help.

FAQ

How often should I check for Windows updates?

Windows checks automatically, so you don’t have to. Checking manually once a month, or when you hear about an important security fix, is a good habit.

Can I use my computer while Windows is updating?

Yes, while updates download and prepare in the background. During the restart phase, when the screen says it’s working on updates, leave the computer alone and keep it plugged in.

Is it safe to turn off automatic updates?

Short pauses are fine, but turning updates off for good isn’t recommended, because security fixes protect you from new threats.

Why does Windows Update take so long?

Large feature updates can take an hour or more, depending on your internet speed and computer. Regular monthly updates are usually much quicker.

What’s the difference between a quality update and a feature update?

Quality updates are the regular fixes for security and reliability problems, and they install quickly. Feature updates are larger releases that bring a new version of Windows, with new features and sometimes redesigned settings. Windows usually offers feature updates once your computer is ready for them, and you choose when to install them.