How to check if Windows is up to date and check for Windows updates

How to check if Windows is up to date

Let’s see how to check if Windows is up to date and how to check for Windows updates.

Windows update is essential to keep running your system fast and efficiently. Generally, Windows update is installed automatically, but sometimes it seeks permission to download and install.

It is vital to check for system updates regularly, and especially if your system is not running smoothly and some other applications are becoming unresponsive.

Moreover, security updates are crucial to protect the operating system from malware. Some other updates are intended to enhance a variety of features of the operating system.

There are numerous methods to check whether your Window is up to date or not. You can check it manually if automatic updates are off. In this article, we’ll explain in detail how to check for Windows updates and how to start it.

There are several ways to determine if updates are installed on your system and if there are new ones waiting to be installed.

Table of Contents

  1. Check for Windows updates in Windows Vista, 7 and 8.x
  2. How to check for Windows 10 update
    1. Using the Run command box
    2. Troubleshooting failed updates in your system
  3. Wrap Up

Check for Windows updates in Windows Vista, 7 and 8.x

If you want to check for Windows updates in Windows Vista, 7, 8.x, the process is very straightforward as it’s described above:

  • Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of the screen;
  • Click on the Control Panel to open it;
  • Next, click on “System and Security”;
  • And then, click on “Windows update” to check the status of your system’s updates.

Note: Microsoft ceased support for Windows 7 on 24th January 2020 and is not offering any more updates. If you have pending updates in your Windows 7, those are previous updates that have not been installed yet.

Microsoft also stopped supporting Vista since 11th April 2017. If there are any new updates on your Windows Update, those are previous updates that have not been installed yet.

How to check for Windows 10 update

Checking for updates in Windows 10 is also very simple:

  • Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of the screen;
  • Click on Settings;
  • At the bottom, select “Updates and Security”;
  • On the left menu, click on “Windows Update” to check the status of your system’s updates;
  • There you can check for new updates by clicking “Search for Updates”.

It shows the status of your system’s updates. If updates are available and you want to proceed to install them, just click  “Download and Install Now”. Once you click there, Windows will start downloading updates and installing them on your PC.

A pop-up may ask you to restart your computer. If a reboot message appears on the screen, accept it to proceed with the installation. Consequently, your PC will start working to download these updates as given below.

Do not turn off your PC until all updates are correctly installed as it may corrupt your Windows installation. Make sure to save all running applications before rebooting.

If you’re going to schedule a reboot for later, then click on the “Schedule the restart” and select the correct timing so that you can work without any disruption.

Using the Run command box

You can also check Windows updates by using the “Run” command box. Press the Start Menu button and open “Run” or press “Windows + R” instead.

Then type “appwiz.cpl” in the search box and click “Ok”. That procedure will open “Program and Features”. Next, click on “Installed Updates” on the left side, and a list of all installed updates of your Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft apps will appear.

The tab shows a list of updates, and on the right side, there is a column showing the installation date for each update.

Troubleshooting failed updates in your system

If an update fails to install successfully, then follow these steps to tackle the issues:

  • If there is an issue with connectivity, check your internet connection;
  • Reboot the system and try to install the pending updates again;
  • If you are still facing problems that are keeping you from successfully downloading and installing updates, then go to Settings, select “Update and Security” and then select “Troubleshoot”;
  • Press “Updates” and follow the on-screen instructions.

These techniques are commonly used when automatic “Windows Updates” are turned off. Automatic updates are the best option for the smooth performance of your operating system.

Keeping it active is a great deal so you don’t have to worry about checking for updates every week, saving you time and effort while keeping your system up to date and with the latest security patches.

Wrap Up

There are many ways to check for updates. You can choose any method to get your system up to date. This article shows you easy steps and techniques so you know how to check if Windows is up to date.

You may opt for Manual or Automatic updates depending upon your choice. We strongly recommend you keep the Automatic Updates active.

However, it’s a good practice to periodically check for Windows updates.

There may be some new updates that have not been successfully installed, even when “Automatic updates” are turned on.

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