The timely installation of Windows updates can avoid data loss, glitches, and various vulnerabilities while enhancing your system’s performance. Coming to how to update Windows, you can either keep the auto-update feature on or manually update your Windows using Settings, ISO Files, and more. 

WARNING: Keep your PC powered on and plugged in during the installation. You can lose your data if the PC turns off mid-installation.
Key Takeaways
  • Windows updates are a part of Microsoft’s support and maintenance system that keeps your PC up to date and prevents security threats.
  • There are multiple ways to update your Windows, including Windows Update Utility, Auto Update feature, and downloading updates manually.
  • Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 7 and 8, while Windows 10 and 11 continue to receive regular updates.

Windows 11

There are three ways to install Windows 11 updates:

  1. Using Settings.
  2. Using Windows 11 Update Utility
  3. Turn On Automatic Update.

Update Manually

To get the latest update on your Windows 11:

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Press Check For Updates.
  2. If the update utility shows an available update, click Download And Install.
    Download New Windows Updates
    Download And Install Updates (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Once the update has been downloaded and installed, restart your system.
Note: If you don’t perform or schedule a restart, Windows will automatically schedule a restart for your device outside the hours you typically use it.

Using Windows 11 Update Utility

Follow the instructions below:

  1. Head to Microsoft’s Software Download page.
  2. Select Windows 11 > Windows 11 Installation Assistant > Download Now.
  3. Run the downloaded file in administrator mode.
  4. It will check whether your PC is compatible with the Windows 11 update.
  5. Click Accept And Install > Restart Now.
  6. Your PC will restart a few times before the installation process is completed.

Turn On Automatic Update

Enable the feature to install the updates automatically:

  1. Open Run menu > Type wscui.cpl > Enter.
  2. Select Automatic Updates > Automatic.

Windows 10

You can update your Windows 10 using several methods, including;

  1. Using Settings.
  2. Using Windows 10 Update Utility.
  3. Turn On Automatic Update.

Update Manually

Using this method, you can check for any latest updates:

  1. Launch the Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check For Updates.
  2. If an update is available, it will be displayed > Click Download And Install.
  3. Restart your device.

Update Using Windows 10 Update Utility

This method was effective for us in updating the Windows:

  1. Head over to Microsoft Software Download.
  2. Select Windows 10 > Update Now.
  3. Run the file once it has been downloaded.
  4. Choose Yes > Update Now.
  5. If your system is compatible with the update, click Next.
  6. Once the download has been finished, your system will start a 30-minute countdown to restart your system for the update. Instead, pick Restart Now.

Windows 8

Here are the four simple ways to perform an update on Windows 8:

  1. Using Settings.
  2. Using Control Panel.
  3. Using Microsoft Download Center.
  4. Turn On Automatic Update.

Update Manually

Take note of this method:

  1. Access Settings > Change PC Settings > Update And Recovery > Windows Update.
  2. Hit Check Now.
  3. If a relevant update is available for the system, it will be displayed under the Windows Update option > Press Install.
  4. A list of important updates will be displayed. It is recommended to select all of them.
  5. Accept the license terms > Finish > Restart the system once updated.

Using Control Panel

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Control Panel > System And Security > Windows Update > click Check For updates.
  2. If a relevant update is available for the system, it will be displayed under the Windows Update option. If not, the system will notify you that the PC is up to date.
  3. Press Install Updates > Restart after updating.

Using Microsoft Download Center

Proceed to the instructions below:

  1. Launch the browser and head to Microsoft Download Center.
  2. Choose the language > Click Download > Confirm System Requirements > Save.
  3. Alternatively, click Run to start the update process immediately.
  4. You must install the KBs in this order: 
    clearcompressionflag.exe

KB2919355

KB2932046

KB2959977

KB2937592

KB2938439

KB2934018
  5. KB2919442 is a Windows 8.1 prerequisite, and you must install it before installing KB2919355.

Turn On Automatic Update

Refer to these steps:

  1. Head to Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Windows Update.
  2. Select Choose How Updates Get Installed.
  3. Open the drop-down below Important Updates > Pick Install Updates Automatically.
  4. Mark the Recommended Updates checkbox > Apply.
    Choose how updates get installed
    Update Options (Image By Tech4Gamers) 

Windows 7

There are several ways on how to update Windows 7, as mentioned below:

  1. Using Windows 7 Update Utility.
  2. Using Microsoft Update Catalogue.
  3. Using Microsoft Download Center.
  4. Turn on Automatic Update.
Tip: We recommend upgrading to the latest Windows 10 or 11 because Microsoft has stopped rolling out new updates for Windows 7.

Using Windows 7 Update Utility

It is a highly effective method we used:

  1. Launch Start > All Programs.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update > Check For Updates.
  3. It will reveal all available updates > Necessarily, mark all important updates > Hit Install Updates > Restart Now.

Update Using Microsoft Update Catalogue

These are the steps you can follow:

  1. Open Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Enter your required update in the search bar > Click Search.
  3. Hit the Download button in front of the respective update to get the download link > Click on it.
    Windows 7 Update download link
    Download Links (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  4. Choose Open to start the installation process > Restart after completion.

Update Using Microsoft Download Center

Make use of the process instructed:

  1. Head to the Microsoft Download Center.
  2. Search for and click on the required update.
  3. Select System Requirements to confirm compatibility > Press Download > Run > Restart PC afterward.
    Microsoft Download Center
    Microsoft Download Center (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Turn On Automatic Update

Below are the complete instructions you can refer to:

  1. Move to Start > All Programs.
  2. Scroll to Windows Update > Change Settings > Pick Install Updates Automatically in the drop-down.
    Turn on the automatic update option
    Enable Auto-Update (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Select relevant checkboxes to optimize future updates > OK.
Tip: You can roll back to the previous Windows version and undo the updates if you encounter issues after installing the updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Keep Your Computer Updated?

The recommended way to keep your system up to date is to turn on the automatic update feature to install the updates automatically.

How Long Would An Update Take To Download To My Computer?

The time required to download an update to your PC depends upon several factors, including your internet speed, the size of the update file, and network settings.

Can I Uninstall An Update?

Yes, you may uninstall an update by following these steps: Start>Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update>Advanced Options>View your update history>Uninstall Updates. Click on the specific update that you want to remove and click uninstall.

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Abdul Hadi
Abdul Hadi
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan
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