How to check for and install Windows updates

Before you start

• Check which version of Windows you have. Open Settings, then System, then About, and look at Edition under Windows specifications.
• Save your work and close your programs, because the computer will probably need to restart.
• Plug your laptop into the charger. Windows may not install updates on a low battery.
• Back up important files, such as photos and documents, to OneDrive or an external drive, especially before a large update.
• Allow time. Most updates take a few minutes, but larger ones can take an hour or more.

0 of 5 done. Ticking just helps you keep track; nothing is saved or sent.

If you still use Windows 10

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. It keeps working, but it no longer gets regular security updates, so it becomes less safe over time. The steps below are for Windows 11. If your computer still runs Windows 10, read Microsoft's Windows 10 end of support page (opens in a new tab) to see your options.

Steps

1. 1

   Open Windows Update

   Select the Start button, then Settings, then Windows Update in the list on the left. You can also press the Windows key and I together to open Settings.

2. 2

   Select Check for updates

   Windows looks for updates and often starts downloading them by itself.

3. 3

   Install what it finds

   If you see a button such as Download & install, Install all or Install now, select it. Progress shows on the same screen.

4. 4

   Restart when asked

   When the button says Restart now, save anything still open and select it. You can also restart later from the Start menu by selecting the power button, then Update and restart.

5. 5

   Wait while it finishes

   You may see a message saying Windows is working on updates and not to turn off your computer. The screen may go blank and the computer may restart more than once. This is normal.

1. 6

   Check again

   When you're back at the desktop, open Windows Update and select Check for updates again. Repeat until it says You're up to date.

2. 7

   Set your active hours

   In Windows Update, select Advanced options, then Active hours. Windows avoids restarting automatically during these hours, so it won't interrupt you.

You may also see Optional updates under Advanced options. These are mostly driver updates. You don't need them unless you're fixing a specific problem.

If this happens

• It seems stuck at the same percentage

  Large updates can pause for a long time. Leave it, ideally for a few hours. If nothing has changed at all after that, get help before you force the computer off.

• An update fails with an error code

  Write the code down, restart the computer and try again. You can also search Settings for troubleshoot, open Other troubleshooters and run the Windows Update troubleshooter, if your version of Windows has one.

• It says there isn't enough space

  Open Settings, then System, then Storage, and look at the cleanup recommendations. Empty the Recycle Bin only if you're sure you don't need what's in it.

• Updates are paused

  In Windows Update, select Resume updates.

• The computer freezes during or after an update

  See how to fix a frozen Windows laptop safely.

Things to be careful about

• Only update from Settings. Windows updates come through Windows Update, not from website pop-ups, emails or download links. A pop-up saying you must install an update to fix a virus is a scam.

• Never let an unexpected caller install updates for you. Microsoft does not phone people out of the blue about updates or problems with their computer.

• Keep it plugged in and switched on. A laptop that runs out of battery mid-update has the same problem as one that is switched off.

• Back up before large updates. Problems are rare, but a backup means your photos and documents are safe whatever happens.