Windows · System

Manage Windows Updates

Windows Update allows you to download and install the latest security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Keeping your system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.

How often: Check weekly; installs automatically in the background

How to open Windows Update

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
  2. Click 'Check for updates'.
  3. Download and install available updates.
  4. Restart your device if prompted.

What you should know

  • Updates include security patches, bug fixes, and new features.
  • You can pause updates temporarily if needed.
  • Feature updates may take longer to install than regular updates.
  • Restart may be required after installing updates.

Delaying critical security updates may leave your system vulnerable to threats. Always install important updates as soon as possible.

Why it matters

Windows Update is the primary channel Microsoft uses to patch security vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them, and it also delivers driver fixes and performance improvements that keep your hardware running smoothly. Skipping updates for too long leaves known exploits unpatched and can cause a backlog of large downloads that disrupt your work later. It's the single setting most responsible for whether your PC stays protected against ransomware and zero-day exploits.

Best practices

  • Check for updates manually at least once a week rather than waiting for the automatic background check.
  • Install cumulative security updates within a few days of release instead of pausing them indefinitely.
  • Restart your PC promptly when prompted so pending updates finish installing correctly.
  • Use 'Pause updates' only for short periods around important deadlines, not as a permanent setting.
  • Review the update history periodically to spot failed installs that may need manual troubleshooting.

Common problems and fixes

An update repeatedly fails to install and rolls back.
Run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters) or manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Update download appears stuck at a percentage for hours.
Restart the Windows Update service via services.msc, or clear the SoftwareDistribution cache folder and retry.
PC keeps restarting for updates at inconvenient times.
Set active hours in Windows Update → Advanced options so restarts are scheduled outside your working hours.
Feature update won't install due to insufficient disk space.
Free up space with Storage Sense or an external drive before retrying the update.

Tips and tricks

  • Use 'Get the latest updates as soon as they're available' in Advanced options to opt into updates the moment they roll out to your device group.
  • Let Windows learn your active hours automatically instead of manually configuring a fixed window.
  • Check Update history to see exactly which KB articles were installed if you need to reference them in a support ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Can I permanently stop Windows Update from installing updates?

Not permanently through the standard interface — you can pause up to 5 weeks at a time, but Windows will eventually require you to update before pausing again.

Why does my PC restart automatically after an update?

Some updates require a restart to replace files that are in use by the operating system; Windows schedules this outside your defined active hours whenever possible.

Are optional updates safe to install?

Optional updates such as driver updates are generally safe, but it's fine to skip preview feature updates unless you specifically want to test upcoming features early.

More System guides for Windows

See every Windows guide