How To Update Windows [11, 10, 8, And 7]

Windows updates are necessary for your computer as they keep your system up-to-date and protect it from security risks. Microsoft keeps adding new features to your system and fixes issues through these updates, so you need to learn how to update Windows. You can either keep the auto-update feature on or manually update your Windows. 

Key Takeaways

• Windows updates are a part of Microsoft’s support and maintenance system that keep your PC up to date and prevent security threats.
• There are multiple ways to update your Windows, including Windows Update Utility, Auto Update feature, and downloading updates manually from Microsoft Download Center or Update Catalog.
• Microsoft has ceased support for Windows 7 and 8, while Windows 10 and 11 continue to receive regular updates.

Why Windows Updates Are Important

Windows updates are Microsoft’s way of keeping your system up-to-date and protecting you from possible security threats such as malware attacks. These updates ensure that your system is in the best shape possible. The timely installation of these updates can avoid data loss, glitches, and various vulnerabilities while enhancing your system’s performance.

Microsoft releases these updates almost every week, and your Windows checks for any available updates once every day. Windows usually install these updates automatically, but you can schedule these updates for a time of your suiting. Usually, your system requires a restart after an update has been installed.

Although your system will keep running even if you don’t install the latest updates, it will be at risk constantly. Even if you use anti-virus, you aren’t entirely protected from security threats because these applications might not fully shield you from Windows security flaws. Apart from that, you might also miss the new updates’ exciting features. So it is always recommended to keep your windows updated to the latest version. Also, you might want to learn how to restart a router. 

How To Update Windows 11

Microsoft published Windows 11 in October 2021 and has released various updates. These included updates including .NET Framework, Local Session Manager (LSM), Task Manager, Windows Explorer, and different security patches. You can visit the Microsoft Support page to see the complete history of Windows 11 updates, known issues in the updates, and related troubleshooting. Let’s see how to update Windows 11 on your system.

Using Windows Update Utility

To get the latest update on your Windows 11:

1. Go to the Windows search bar and enter Settings.
2. In the settings menu, go to Windows Update and click it.
3. Now click Check for updates.

   

4. If the update utility already shows an available update, click Download and install.

   

5. Keep your PC powered on and plugged in during the installation.
6. Once the update has been downloaded and installed, restart your system.
7. You can also schedule a restart if you don’t want to restart immediately.

If you don’t schedule a restart, Windows will automatically schedule a restart for your device outside the hours you typically use it.

Update From Windows 10

If you aren’t currently using Windows 11 and want to update to Windows 11, you must first check whether your device is eligible to update to Windows 11.

1. Install the PC Health Check app to assess your computer’s eligibility.

   

2. If your device is eligible, go to the Windows search bar and type Settings.
3. Open settings and go to Update and Security.
4. The option to Download and install will appear if the PC is compatible.

   

5. Select the option and agree to the Software License Terms by clicking Accept and install.
6. Follow the instructions to complete the update process.

Also Read: Intel WiFi 6 AX201 Not Working [14 FIXES]

Turn On Windows Auto Update

You should keep the Windows auto update turned on to ensure the timely installation of the required updates. Here’s how you can do it.

1. In the Windows search bar, type Run.
2. Type “wscui.cpl” and enter.
3. Select the option of Automatic Updates.
4. Select Automatic to activate the automatic update feature from the displayed options.

Alternatively, you can turn on auto updates through the Windows Update Service. Here’s how to do it:

1. Type in Run in the Windows search bar.
2. Type “msc” and enter to launch the Windows services.
3. Look for the option of Windows Update and right-click it.
4. Click the option of Properties.
5. Select the General tab in the newly opened windows.
6. Go to Startup type and select the Automatic option.

   

7. Click Apply to save the changes that you’ve just made.

Download The Windows 11 Update Manually

You have the option to update Windows 11 by downloading the update from Microsoft’s Software Download page. Follow the steps explained below:

1. Head over to your browser and go to Microsoft’s Software Download page.
2. Select Windows 11 from the available options.

   

3. Scroll down to find Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
4. Click Download Now to start downloading the Installation Assistant.
5. You can click the Before you begin button for additional instructions and guidelines.

   

6. Run the file once as administrator once the download is complete.
7. The tool will first check whether your PC is compatible with Windows 11 update.
8. Click Accept and Install once the tool confirms that your system is compatible.
9. Click the Restart Now button to complete the installation once the tool is ready.
10. Your PC will restart a few times before the installation process is completed.
11. Make sure not to turn off your computer during the update process.

If you aren’t using Windows 11 and want to upgrade to Windows 11, visit Microsoft’s Support page for instructions regarding Windows 11 installation. Also, why not learn about how to fix the “Activate Windows Before You Can Personalize Your PC” error before proceeding further? 

How To Update Windows 10

You can update your Windows 10 using several methods, including the Windows Update utility from Settings, downloading the update manually from Microsoft’s download page, and turning on the auto-update option. All of these methods have been discussed below.

Update Windows 10 Using Windows Update Utility

Usually, Windows keeps checking for the latest updates and installs them independently. Nevertheless, you can still check for any latest updates by using this method.

1. Go to the Windows search bar and type Settings.
2. Go to the option of Update & Security and click it.

   

3. Select Windows Update from among the displayed options towards the left of the screen.
4. Click on Check for updates.
5. The system will check for any available Windows 10 updates.
6. If any update is available, it will be displayed below.
7. Click on Download and install to get the latest update.

   

8. Restart your device to complete the update.

Download The Windows 10 Update Manually

You may choose to update your Windows 10 by first downloading the update from Microsoft’s Software Download page. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Launch your browser and head over to Microsoft’s Software Download page.
2. Select Windows 10 from the options.

   

3. You will see an update if one is available.
4. Click Update Now to download the Update installer.

   

5. Run the file once it has been downloaded.
6. Click Yes when the prompt appears.
7. The system will notify you if you aren’t running the latest Windows 10.
8. Click on Update Now to begin the update process.

   

9. You will be notified on the next window if your system is compatible with the update.

   

10. Click Next to start downloading the Update file.
11. Once the download has been finished, your system will start a 30-minute countdown to restart your system for the update.
12. You can click Restart Now to begin the update process right away.
13. The system will start the update process and notify you of the progress.
14. Once the update is complete, the system will launch your desktop.

Also Check: How To Reset PC – The Definitive Guide

Change Windows 10 Update Preferences

You can change the Windows 10 Update Preferences to choose whether to receive updates related to Microsoft products when you update your system, how the updates download on your system, and other system settings associated with updating your system. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Head over to the Windows search bar and type Settings.
   1. Open the Settings option and choose the Update and Security option.
2. In the Update and Security menu, go to Advanced Options.
3. There are 3 options with toggle switches under the heading of Update Options.
4. Turn on the first toggle switch if you want the Windows Update utility to keep checking for updates associated with other Microsoft products upon updating the Windows.
5. The second toggle switch allows you to choose if you want to download the updates over a metered connection. Keep it turned off if you don’t want to download the updates over a metered connection.
6. The third toggle switch enables the system to restart immediately after installing an update if required. If you turn on this option, the system will restart automatically without notifying you first.

   

7. You can also turn on the notification icon under Update Notifications, which alerts you that your PC needs to restart after an update.

You can visit Microsoft’s Support page if you are facing any Windows 10 update procedure difficulties.

How To Update Windows 8

Windows 8 will install updates automatically by default. If, for some reason, it fails to do so, here are some ways using which you can update your windows 8.

Turn On Automatic Updates

It is recommended that you should keep the Automatic Update feature of Windows 8 turned on. It will save you the hassle of updating it by yourself. Here is how you can do it.

1. Press Windows key + C on your keyboard to open the default charms.
2. Click Settings on the right side of the screen in the charms bar.
3. Head over to Change PC Settings at the bottom of the screen.

   

4. Select the option of Update and Recovery.

   

5. Under Update and Recovery, select the option of Windows Update.
6. Now in the Windows Update menu, select Choose how updates get installed.
7. Open the drop-down menu below the heading of the Important Updates option and click Install updates automatically.
8. Also, click on the Recommended Updates checkbox to turn on updates recommendations.

   

9. Click Apply to apply the changes that you’ve just made. 
10. From now onwards, Windows 8 will automatically install the updates on your system.

Want a specific program to run on your computer? Make sure to read our guide on how to disable Firewall to make it happen. 

Manually Check The Update

You can also check the updates manually and choose to install them from the settings. To do that:

1. Hover your mouse pointer at the lower right corner of the desktop and choose Settings from the options that appear.
2. You may also use the Windows key + C shortcut to launch charms and select Settings.
3. Under Settings, go to Change PC Settings.

   

4. Choose the option of Update and Recovery from among the available options.
5. Click on the option of Windows Update under Update and Recovery.
6. Now click the Check Now button to start scanning for available updates.

   

7. If a relevant update is available for the system, it will be displayed under the Windows Update option.
8. Click on the Install button to initiate the installation process
9. A list of important updates will be displayed. It is recommended to select all of them.
10. Accept the license terms and click on Finish.
11. Wait for the update process to complete.
12. Restart your system.

Update Through System And Security Settings

You can also update your Windows 8 through the System and Security settings available in the control panel. Here’s how to do it.

1. Click the Start button and open the Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, head over to System and Security settings.

   

3. Now select the option of Windows Update.
4. Find the option of Check for updates on the bar on the left side of the page and click it.
5. 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.
6. Click on the Install Updates button.

   

7. Restart your PC once the update installation is complete.

Turn On Automatic Updates From The Control Panel

You can configure the updates to install automatically through the control panel. To do that:

1. Head over to the Start button and click it.
2. Find the option of Control Panel and open it.
3. In Control Panel, go to System and Security settings and click it.
4. Now select the option of Windows Update.
5. Find the Change Settings option on the left side and click it to open the settings.
6. Open the drop-down bar under Important Updates and choose Install Updates Automatically.

   

7. Select the check box under the heading Recommended updates and Who can install updates.
8. Press OK to complete the configuration process.

Manually Download The Windows 8.1 Update

You can head to Microsoft Download Center and manually download the Windows 8.1 update. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Launch the browser and head to Microsoft Download Center.
2. Choose the language of your own choice and click Download.
3. Confirm System Requirements to ensure that your PC is compatible with the update.

   

4. Click Save once the download is complete to save the file on your computer if you want to install it at a later time.
5. Alternatively, click Run if you want to start the update process immediately.
6. You must install the KBs in this order: 1: clearcompressionflag.exe, 2: KB2919355, 3: KB2932046, 4: KB2959977, 5: KB2937592, 6: KB2938439, and 7: KB2934018.
7. KB2919442 is a Windows 8.1 prerequisite, and you must install it before installing KB2919355.
8. You can click Additional Information to access additional information related to Windows 8 updates.

Also Read: How To Fix NVIDIA User Account Is Locked

How To Update Windows 7

There are several ways to update Windows 7, including the Windows Update utility and manually downloading the update from Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update Catalog. All of these methods are explained below.

Using Windows Update Utility

You can scan for available Windows 7 updates and install them using the Windows Update utility. To do that:

1. Search for the Start button at the bottom left of the screen and click it.
2. Click the option of All Programs from the tab.

   

3. Find the option of Windows Update and open it.
4. Now select the Check for updates option.
5. Windows will now scan for any available updates and display them.
6. You can click on the available updates to get a list of all the available updates.

   

7. You can also click on each update to read about the details of that update.
8. You can hide unwanted updates by right-clicking on the update and clicking the Hide Update option.
9. Click Install Updates to begin downloading the update file.

   

10. Windows will install the updates once the download is complete.
11. Restart the system once the update process is complete by clicking the Restart now button.

    

Turn On Automatic Update

It is recommended that you turn on the automatic update functionality for your Windows 7. It allows Windows to search for available updates and install them automatically, so your system is always kept up to date. Here’s how to do it.

1. Find the Start button towards the left bottom of the desktop and click it.
2. Click All Programs from the start menu.
3. Scroll down to find the option of Windows Update, and click it.
4. Select the Change Settings option from among the options on the left side.

   

5. Under the heading of Important updates, select Install Updates Automatically from the drop-down menu.

   

6. Also, select the checkboxes that are visible below to optimize future updates.
7. Click OK to apply the changes made.

Also, if you’re planning to boost the performance of some of your components, make sure to learn about what is Overclocking. 

Microsoft Update Catalogue

If you want to see the Update Catalog of Windows 7 or install a specific update, you can download those updates from the Microsoft Update Catalogue. To do that:

1. Open your browser and head over to the Microsoft Update Catalog page.
2. Enter your required update in the search bar and click Search.

   

3. A list of all the related updates will be displayed below.
4. You can click on any update to get a brief overview of the update, Language Selection, and other relevant options.

   

5. Click the Download button in front of the respective update to get the download link.
6. Click the download link to start downloading the Update file.

   

7. Once the update file has been downloaded, click open to start the installation process.
8. Restart your system once the installation is complete.

Microsoft Download Center

If you want to install a specific update manually, you can download it from the Microsoft Download Center and install it on your system. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Open your browser and head to the Microsoft Download Center page.
2. Scroll down to find the desired update, or search for it by selecting the search icon towards the top right corner of the page.
3. Click on the desired update to launch the download page for that update.
4. You can change the language by clicking the Select Language drop-down menu.
5. Next, click System Requirements to confirm whether your PC is compatible with the update.
6. You can also click the Details button for details regarding the update.
7.  Now, click the Download button to start downloading the Update file.

   

8. Once the file has been downloaded, click Run to initiate the installation process.
9. You can also Save the file to install it at a later time.
10. Restart your PC once the installation is complete.

Final Words

Microsoft has ended support for both Windows 7 and 8. Support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020, and the last Extended Security Update rolled out in January 2023. Support for Windows 8 also ended in January 2023. This means Windows 7 and 8 devices will no longer receive essential updates. However, Windows 10 and 11 continue to receive regular updates. You should turn the auto-update feature on so you don’t miss essential updates and associated features. In any case, we hope that you have now learned about how to update Windows. 

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