Where to find Windows Update on your computer

Windows Update lives in your Settings app, not in a separate program. On Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows key and type "update" — the first result will be "Check for updates". Click it, and Windows will open the Update & Security page (Windows 10) or the Windows Update section (Windows 11).

Once you're there, you'll see a button that says "Check for updates". Click it. Windows will connect to Microsoft's servers and look for any updates your computer doesn't have yet. This takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

You don't need to do anything else while it checks — just wait for the results to appear on the same screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, search for "update", and click "Check for updates" to see if your computer needs any updates.
  • Windows will show you what updates are available and how large they are before you install anything.
  • Most updates install automatically once you restart your computer, but you can see the schedule and delay it if you need to work.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, restarting your computer usually fixes the problem and lets Windows try again.

What happens after Windows finds updates

When the check finishes, Windows will tell you one of three things: your computer is up to date, updates are available, or there's a problem connecting to the update servers.

If updates are available, Windows shows you a list with the size of each one. You don't have to install them right away — you can close the Settings window and come back later. However, Windows will remind you to install them, and some updates require a restart to finish.

Click "Install now" if you want to start right away. Windows will download the updates in the background while you keep working. Once they're downloaded, Windows will ask you to restart your computer. You can restart immediately or choose a time that works better for you — Windows will remind you periodically but won't force a restart for at least a few days.

Understanding the different types of updates

Not all updates are the same. Security updates patch holes that hackers could use to break into your computer — these are the most important ones to install. Quality updates fix bugs, improve performance, or add small features. Feature updates are larger and add new capabilities to Windows itself; these happen less often and always require a restart.

Windows Update shows you what each update does before you install it. If you're curious about a specific update, you can click on it to read a description. You don't need to understand the technical details — the main thing to know is that security updates should go on your computer as soon as possible, while quality and feature updates are less urgent but still worth installing.

Turning on automatic updates if they're off

By default, Windows 10 and 11 check for updates automatically and install them on a schedule. If you've turned this off, you'll need to turn it back on to stay protected.

In the Update & Security or Windows Update section, look for "Advanced options" or "Update options". You should see a toggle or dropdown that says something like "Receive updates automatically" or "Install updates automatically". Make sure it's turned on. If you see an option to choose when updates install, you can pick a time when you usually aren't working — Windows will install them then and restart if needed.

Once automatic updates are on, Windows will check for new updates regularly without you having to do anything. You'll still see notifications when updates are ready to install, but you won't have to remember to check manually.

What to do if an update fails or gets stuck

Sometimes an update won't install, or the process seems to hang. The first step is always to restart your computer. Press the Windows key, click the power icon, and choose "Restart". Windows will finish installing the update during the restart, and the problem usually goes away.

If the same update fails again after a restart, try checking for updates one more time. Windows will attempt the installation again. If it fails a second time, you can try restarting in Safe Mode — a version of Windows that loads only essential programs — and checking for updates there. To restart in Safe Mode, press the Windows key, type "msconfig", open System Configuration, go to the Boot tab, check "Safe boot", and click OK.

If an update still won't install after a restart in Safe Mode, the problem is usually a conflict with another program on your computer. Antivirus software, backup programs, or older drivers can sometimes block updates. Try temporarily turning off your antivirus software, restarting, and checking for updates again. Turn the antivirus back on once the update finishes.

Checking update history and what's installed

If you want to see what updates your computer already has, go back to Update & Security or Windows Update and look for "Update history" or "View update history". This shows you every update that's been installed, when it was installed, and whether it succeeded or failed.

You can also see which updates are waiting to be installed. If you see an update that failed multiple times, you can try uninstalling it and letting Windows download it fresh. Click "Uninstall updates" in the Update history section, find the update in the list, and click "Uninstall". Then go back and check for updates again.

Checking for updates on older versions of Windows

If you're using Windows 7 or an older version, the process is slightly different. Open the Control Panel, click "System and Security", then "Windows Update". You'll see a button that says "Check for updates now". Click it and wait for the results.

Windows 7 reached the end of support in January 2020, which means Microsoft no longer releases security updates for it. If you're still using Windows 7, you should consider upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 to keep your computer protected. Continuing to use an unsupported version leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check for updates?

You don't need to check manually if you've turned on automatic updates — Windows will do it for you. If you prefer to check yourself, once a week is reasonable. The important thing is that security updates get installed within a few days of being released, so automatic updates are the easiest way to stay on top of it.

Can I stop Windows from restarting after an update?

You can delay a restart for a while by clicking "Remind me later" when Windows asks. You can also schedule the restart for a specific time through Advanced options in Windows Update. However, you can't skip the restart entirely — updates need a restart to finish installing and take effect.

What if my internet is slow and updates take forever?

Updates will download at whatever speed your connection allows. You can keep using your computer while they download — it won't slow down your other work much. If your internet is very slow, you might want to start the download in the evening and let it run overnight. You can also try moving closer to your router if you're on WiFi.

Do I need to uninstall old updates before installing new ones?

No. Windows handles this automatically. Each new update builds on the previous ones, so you just install whatever Windows offers. You only need to uninstall an update if it's causing a specific problem, and even then, Windows will usually offer a newer version that fixes the issue.

Is it safe to install updates right away, or should I wait?

Security updates are safe to install right away — they're tested before release and fix real vulnerabilities. Feature updates (the big ones that change how Windows looks or works) sometimes have bugs in the first week or two, so waiting a few days is reasonable if you're cautious. Quality updates fall in between and are generally safe immediately.