How to start Windows Update is the guide you’ll find in this article. Microsoft pushes minor and major updates from time to time to its Windows operating system. This is done to keep the users up to date with the latest compatible features.
Windows Update is a free service that’s been offered by Microsoft for many years and it’s used to provide regular updates such as service packs and patches as well as regular add-ons and bug corrections, not only for the Windows operating system as well as to other Microsoft software.
It also downloads and installs the latest security patches to keep the users safe from malicious attacks, viruses, and other malware. That is why it is so important to start Windows update and install the latest updates available.
Through Windows Update, you can also access the whole update history of your system. It shows all the updates that have been installed to the computer through the Windows Update service since the first day your o.s. was installed.
Keep in mind that Windows Update doesn’t update most of your other, non-Microsoft software. For those, you’ll have to search for updates by yourself or through their own update system.
Microsoft recommends having the automatic updating feature enabled. When that is not possible, Windows users are encouraged to check for new updates at least once per week.
Most updates are installed automatically without any input from the users, however, sometimes it is needed. If this happens, you will see a notification icon on the right side of the Windows taskbar.
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How to start Windows Update
Whether you’re using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, you can follow the steps given below to keep your computer updated:
- Start by accessing the Start menu on the bottom left corner of your screen by default;
- As soon as the Start Menu opens, type “Update”. This will open up a search menu with a list of relevant results matching your query;
- At the top of this list, you will either see “Check for updates” or “Windows Update”. Click whatever option is the top one. This will take you to the “Windows Update” settings page.
Alternatively, you can follow the steps below to reach the Windows Update settings page:
- Click on the Start button to open up the Start Menu;
- Click on the Settings, just above the Power Icon;
- This process will open up “Windows Settings” where you will see “Update & Security” as one of the last items. Instead, you might also see “Update & Recover”. Click it to reach the “Windows Update” settings page.
From here on, the remaining steps are the same, regardless of which way you used to get here.
- Windows will automatically start checking for any new updates. In case it doesn’t start checking automatically, you can click on “Check For Updates” or “Check Now” button.
- If there are updates available, you’ll see a pop-up message at the top saying “Updates available”. Windows will automatically download and install these updates. On Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, you might have to click “Install Updates” or “Install”, depending on the operating system;
- Some updates may require restarting your computer to finish the installation process. So, if prompted, click on “Restart Now” for the update to complete the installation.
Wrap Up
Knowing how to start Windows Update and updating your laptop or desktop computer is not only an easy task but it is also crucial to keep it up to date and with the latest security patches.
Basically, no matter your current version of Windows, you have to just find the update settings page. From there on, it is pretty much straightforward to figure it out.
Some versions may have different labels for the buttons than the others. However, all can be easily understood to achieve what you want to do – which is to install the latest updates.
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