Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to update Windows. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

How to Update Windows

Why Update Windows?

Keeping Windows up to date is one of the most important things you can do to protect your computer. For our managed clients, regular patching is a core part of maintaining a strong security posture. Updates deliver:

• Security fixes that protect against viruses, ransomware, and other threats
• New features and improvements
• Bug fixes and performance improvements
• Compatibility with the latest hardware and software

Before You Begin

How to Check for Updates

Method 1: Settings App (Recommended)

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Click Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Wait for Windows to scan for available updates.

Method 2: Windows Search

1. Press Win + S to open Windows Search.
2. Type Check for updates.
3. Click Check for updates in the search results.

What to Do When Updates Are Available

If Updates Are Found

1. Click Download if prompted.
2. Wait for the download to complete. Progress is shown in the Settings window.
3. Click Install now or Restart now when the download finishes.
4. Your PC will restart to apply the updates. This may take several minutes.

If No Updates Are Available

• You'll see the message "You're up to date".
• Check again in a few days, or refer to our troubleshooting section below if you suspect updates are missing.

Managing Updates

Pause Updates (Temporarily)

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Pause updates.
3. Choose how long to pause (up to 5 weeks).

Set Active Hours

Active Hours tells Windows when you typically use your PC so it won't restart for updates during those times.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Under Active hours, choose Automatically adjust active hours or set them manually.

Get the Latest Updates as Soon as They're Available

This toggle controls whether you receive non-security fixes and improvements ahead of broader rollout.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
2. Toggle Get the latest updates as soon as they're available on or off.

View Update History

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Update history.
3. Review what was installed and when, including quality updates, driver updates, and feature updates.

Defer Updates and Other Microsoft Products

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
2. Under Other Microsoft products, choose whether to receive updates for other Microsoft products.
3. Use the dropdowns to defer feature updates and quality updates by a set number of weeks.

Reset Windows Update

If updates are failing, stuck, or not appearing, perform a full Windows Update reset:

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

3. Close Command Prompt and try Check for updates again.

Troubleshooting Common Update Errors

Update Stuck Downloading or Installing

1. Restart your PC and try again.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
3. Perform the Reset Windows Update procedure above.

Error Codes

• 0x80070002 — Update files missing or corrupted. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and reset Windows Update.
• 0x800f081f — Couldn't find update files. Reset Windows Update, then try again.
• 0x80070005 — Permission error. Ensure you're running as administrator and that no security software is blocking the update.
• 0x80070490 — Component corruption. Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt, then try again.

Still Having Issues?

If updates continue to fail after trying the steps above, your device may need further investigation. Common related issues include:

• Computer running slow
• Applications freezing or crashing
• Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps

If the problem persists, please open a ticket and our team will assist.

Related Resources

• How to install approved software
• Antivirus alerts - what to do
• Microsoft: Windows Update FAQ

Still Having Issues?