Update Windows 10 & 11 + Troubleshooting & FAQ

PDF download Download Article
Quickly & easily update your Windows computer or laptop
PDF download Download Article

Are you wondering how to update your Windows computer or laptop? Luckily, many newer Windows devices update automatically, but what if you want to check if an update is available? Keeping your computer updated is a great way to prevent it from slowing down. Read on to learn more and get some troubleshooting steps from computer & tech specialist Luigi Oppido.

Updating Windows 10 & 11

To update Win 11, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Windows updates . On Win 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates . Windows 10 will be discontinued in October of 2025, so upgrade to Win 11 when you can. If the update fails, it's most likely because your HD is full and doesn't have room for it.

Section 1 of 7:

Updating Windows 11

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open Settings by pressing {{keypress|Win|I}. You can also open Settings by going to the Start menu and clicking the gear icon.
  2. 2
    Click Windows Update . It's the last thing on the menu on the left side of the window.
    • Alternatively, open this page directly by pressing the Win key and entering updates and clicking the app search result. This will open the Settings menu to the Windows Updates window.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Click Check for Windows Updates . If an update is available, click Download & Install, then restart your computer when prompted. [1]
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Changing Windows 11 Update Preferences

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open Settings and Windows Update . Use this menu to change your update preferences.
    • For example, if you want to get updates as soon as they are available, enable the toggle next to "Get the latest updates…" under the "More options" heading.
    • Click the drop-down menu next to "Pause updates" to not automatically get updates for a specified time period.
    • See your update history by clicking Update history . This helps you roll back updates that break compatibility with some devices.
Section 3 of 7:

Upgrading Windows 10 to 11

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Open "Update & Security" in Settings. Press Win + I and click the "Update & Security" tile.
    • Follow this method if your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11. Lots of older computers don't have the necessary software, so your computer may not meet the requirements. Use the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to see if your computer is eligible to upgrade.
    • If your computer is eligible, you need to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 , which you can do in your UEFI Firmware settings.
    • You want to back up your files before upgrading , so you have them if something goes wrong.
  2. 2
    Click Download and install . You'll see this message where the normal "Check for updates" button is.
  3. 3
    Follow the on-screen instructions. You need to click OK a few times to proceed through Windows 11 Setup.
    • This process can take a few hours, so don't worry that it's broken!
  4. 4
    Restart your computer. You'll see the Windows Update Status change to "Pending restart." Once you restart, the computer will automatically restart a few more times as it installs Windows 11.
  5. 5
    Sign into your computer once it's done restarting. After the final restart and after you log in, your computer has been upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11! 11! [2]
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

Updating Windows 10

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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 as well as check for any optional new features. [3]
    • 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. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear. It’s toward the bottom of the Start menu in the panel to the left.
  3. It’s the option that has an icon that resembles two curved arrows.
  4. It’s the button at the top of the page. Windows will check for updates. If an update is available, it will start downloading automatically. If no updates are available, you’ll see a message that says ″Windows is up to date.″
    • Leave this window open as the update installs so you’ll know whether you need to restart your computer.
  5. Occasionally, Windows will have optional features you can update too. To install these features, click Download and install below "Feature update to Windows 10".
    • If your PC is able to run Windows 11, it will appear as an optional update as soon as it is available for your PC by early 2022. [4]
    • You might be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free! Find out how in this wikiHow article .
  6. It will appear below the header that says "Restart required" when the update is finished downloading. This will restart your computer and complete the update.
    • Be sure to save anything you are working on before restarting your computer.
    • 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.
    7. Advertisement
Section 5 of 7:

Changing Windows 10 Update Preferences

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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. It’s next to an icon that resembles a gear. It's towards the bottom of the menu.
  3. It’s the option that has an icon that resembles two curved arrows.
  4. It’s at the bottom of the page.
  5. These allow you to set your preferences. The options are as follows:
    • Receive updates for other Microsoft products when updating Windows: Toggle this switch on if you want Windows Update to check for updates for products such as Office, Edge, and Visio.
    • Download updates over metered connections (extra charges may apply). If you pay for internet service based on the amount of data you use, keep this switch in the off (gray) position. This will not update Windows unless you are using a connection with unlimited data. [5] When this switch is off, you’ll be notified of new updates but have to agree to download them.
    • Restart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install updates. Toggle this option on to restart Windows immediately when it is required to complete an update. You will not be notified if you want to restart your computer.
    • Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating. Toggle this option on to receive a notification when Windows needs to update to complete an update.
  6. If you want to stop Windows updates for a period of time, use the drop-down menu below "Pause updates" to select a date when updates will resume.
    7. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

Troubleshooting a Failed Update

PDF download Download Article
  1. Oppido says if your computer is not connected to the internet, you will not be able to download new updates.
  2. Restarting your computer can refresh your system and clear out any temporary problems your system is having. Use the following steps to restart your computer.
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Power .
    • Click Restart .
  3. According to Oppido, if your hard drive is full, there will not be enough space for Windows to download the update and install it. In this case, you will need to delete some files or programs to free up some space. Use the following steps to check your hard drive space .
    • Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
    • Click This PC in the panel to the right.
    • Check the bar graph below the hard drive. Hard drives are listed below "Devices and drives". If the bar is completely blue, you need to free up some space.
  4. If you receive any error messages while attempting to update Windows, navigate to Google.com and enter the exact error message in the search bar word-for-word. This will search the internet for solutions to the problem.
  5. If you continue to have problems, you can run a Windows troubleshooter to find solutions. Use the following steps to run a troubleshooter.
    • Click the Windows Start button.
    • Click Settings .
    • Click Update & Security .
    • Click Troubleshoot in the panel to the left.
    • Click Additional troubleshooters or a recommended troubleshooter.
    • Click Windows Update below "Get up and running".
    • Click Run Troubleshooter .
    • Follow any instructions you receive and click Next .
    6. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

FAQ

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    How long does it take to download updates? The time it takes to download updates depends mainly on internet speed, network settings, and the size of the update. Ensure your device is plugged in and connected to the internet for faster downloads.
  2. 2
    How can I stop updates from downloading and installing? Can I skip updates? It's not possible to completely stop updates, as they are essential for keeping your device safe and secure. Eventually, you will need to install and download updates, no matter what your settings are. However, you can temporarily pause updates from being downloaded and installed. Keep in mind that once the pause limit is reached, you will need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.
    • To set up a pause, go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates .
  3. 3
    How do I make sure my device restarts to install updates at a convenient time? Next to the update in Settings > Windows Update, select Schedule the restart and pick a time that works for you.
    • You can also choose active hours so your computer never restarts while you're using it. There are two ways to set active hours:
      • Automatically : Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Active Hours > Automatically. Windows will automatically detect the times when you're using your computer and when you're not.
      • Manually : Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Active Hours > Manually . Manually pick the hours when you don't use your computer. [6]
  4. 4
    How can I make sure updates don't use too much battery? You should keep laptops and tablets plugged in when you're not using them, so they have enough power for updates installed during inactive hours. Windows updates don’t use more battery than regular processes.
  5. 5
    What is the difference between a feature and a quality update? Feature updates are released annually and include new functionalities, capabilities, fixes, and security updates. Windows Update automatically initiates these updates for devices nearing the end of servicing, ensuring they remain on a supported version. Automatic updates keep devices secure by delivering vital monthly updates.
  6. 6
    This approach has been effective with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, applying to consumer and non-managed business devices. While updates install automatically, you can set active hours for your PC to restart and complete the installation.
  7. 7
    Quality updates are more frequent, focusing on small fixes and security enhancements, and occasionally include new features. Both types of updates are delivered through Windows Update, and you must be on a supported version of Windows to receive them. [7]
  8. 8
    Which version of Windows do I have? You can find this by going to ** Settings > System > About.] [8]
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What could be causing my computer to turn off shortly after being turned on?
    Community Answer
    Something may be overheating. Take a spray duster and gently remove all dust and buildup from the interior and any vents. Ensure all fans are working (CPU, video card, power supply, case exhaust fans, etc.), and replace any that aren't.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How can I update my laptop offline?
    Community Answer
    You can download updates from Microsoft that you can move to another computer to update it offline.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    I restored my computer to the factory OS; (Windows 7 SP1). Will this program provide security updates following SP1?
    Community Answer
    Windows 7 SP1 is the latest version. Windows Update in Windows 7 only has updates up to January 2020, which is Windows 7 EoL date (or January 2023, when paid update support ends).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Upgrade to Windows 10
      How to
      Download Windows 11: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      11 Tips & Tricks to Fix a Missing Windows Laptop Mouse Cursor
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      Get Rid of the "Activate Windows" Watermark in 3 Ways
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      3 Easy Ways to Move a Full Screen Game to Another Monitor
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about computers and technology, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-windows-updates-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ways-to-install-windows-11-e0edbbfb-cfc5-4011-868b-2ce77ac7c70e
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027667/windows-10-update
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoGrTgReySQ
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17452/windows-metered-internet-connections-faq
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keep-your-pc-up-to-date-with-active-hours-de79813c-7919-5fed-080f-0871c7bd9bde
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-information-about-your-windows-device-a66d52c8-3323-44fd-8f34-a9497bb935e1

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Start menu.
      2. Click Settings .
      3. Click Update & security .
      4. Click Check for updates .
      5. Wait for updates to install.
      6. Restart the PC when prompted.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 334,669 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement