support.microsoft.com Open in urlscan Pro
2600:140b:a00:490::f03  Public Scan

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GET /en-US/search/results

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WINDOWS UPDATE: FAQ

Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 More...Less
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Note: If you're looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office
updates.

In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your
device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you'll get the latest
fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay
protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure
your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If other questions come up when you update Windows 11, here are some other areas
that might interest you:

 * How to reset your Microsoft account password

 * Activate Windows

When you only want info about updating Windows 11, you'll find answers to many
of your questions here:

HOW DO I GET WINDOWS 11, VERSION 23H2?

When Windows 11, version 23H2 is ready for your device, it will be available to
download and install from the Windows Update page in Settings. Choose a time
that works best for you to install it. You'll then need to restart your device
and complete the installation. After that, your device will be running Windows
11, version 23H2.

To manually check for the latest recommended updates on your Windows 11 device,
select Start > Settings  > Windows Update  > Check for updates.

Check for updates

HOW DO I MANUALLY UPDATE MY PC?

Some updates may not be available on all devices at the same time—we’re making
sure updates are ready and compatible.

To stay up to date, select Start > Settings  > Windows Update  > Check for
updates.

Check for updates

If a feature update is available for your device, it will appear separately on
the Windows Update page. To install it, select Download and install now.

I'M HAVING TROUBLE INSTALLING UPDATES OR GETTING AN ERROR (SUCH AS 0X80073712).
WHAT CAN I DO?

Here are a few things you can try if you're having trouble installing updates:

 * Make sure that your device is connected to the internet. Downloading updates
   requires an internet connection.

 * If you’re connected the internet, try to install the updates manually. Select
   Start > Settings  > Windows Update , and then view available updates.
   
   Check for updates

 * Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Select Start > Settings > System  >
   Troubleshoot  > Other troubleshooters. Under Most frequent, select Windows
   Update.

 * If the Troubleshooter doesn't fix the problem, see Troubleshoot problems
   updating Windows or Fix Windows Update errors.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DOWNLOAD UPDATES?

The time required to download updates primarily depends on internet connection
speed, network settings, and update size. Make sure your device is plugged in
and connected to the internet to download updates faster.

HOW CAN I STOP UPDATES FROM DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING? CAN I SKIP UPDATES?

You can’t stop updates entirely—because they help keep your device safe and
secure, updates will eventually need to be installed and downloaded, regardless
of your update settings. Here's how to temporarily pause updates from being
downloaded and installed. Note that after the pause limit is reached, you'll
need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

In Windows 11, select Start > Settings  > Windows Update . Next to Pause
updates, select the pause length you prefer.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY DEVICE RESTARTS TO INSTALL UPDATES AT A CONVENIENT TIME?

To finish installing an update, your device will need to restart. Windows will
try to restart your device when you're not using it. If it can't, you'll be
asked to schedule the restart for a more convenient time. Or, you can schedule
anytime by following these steps:

 1. Select Start > Settings  > Windows Update .

 2. Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that's convenient for you.

You can set active hours to make sure automatic restarts for updates only happen
when you're not using your device. Get updates when you're away from your PC
with active hours in Windows.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH DISK SPACE FOR THE UPDATE?

Try deleting files you don’t need, uninstalling apps you don’t use, or moving
files to another drive like an external USB drive or OneDrive. For more tips on
freeing up disk space, see Free up drive space in Windows.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE UPDATES DON'T USE TOO MUCH BATTERY?

We recommend keeping devices like laptops and tablets plugged in when you’re not
using them. This way, if updates are installed outside active hours, your device
will have enough power to complete the installation. Windows updates don’t
consume more battery than other typical system processes.

HOW DO I SEE INSTALLED UPDATES?

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and
when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don't
recommend this unless it's necessary.

Select Start > Settings  > Windows Update > Update history .

View update history

 

HOW DO I REMOVE AN INSTALLED UPDATE?

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must
remove an update, you can do so in update history.

 1. Select Start > Settings  > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall
    updates .

 2. Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FEATURE AND QUALITY UPDATE?

Feature updates are typically released twice per year and include new
functionality and capabilities as well as potential fixes and security updates.
Quality updates are more frequent and mainly include small fixes and security
updates. Windows is designed to deliver both kinds of updates to devices through
Windows Update.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE MY DEVICE IS UP TO DATE? 

To double check that your device is up to date, open Start > Settings  > Windows
Update  and see your update status and available updates.

Check for updates

WHICH VERSION OF WINDOWS AM I RUNNING?

To find which version of Windows you're running, see Which version of Windows
operating system am I running?

WILL RESERVED STORAGE BE TURNED ON FOR DEVICES THAT UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11?

Reserved storage will be turned on for new devices with Windows 11 preinstalled,
or devices on which a clean install of Windows 11 was performed.

Note: If you're looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office
updates.

In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your
device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you'll get the latest
fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay
protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure
your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If other questions come up when you update Windows 10, here are some other areas
that might interest you:

 * How to reset your Microsoft account password

 * Activate Windows

 * Get started with Windows 10

When you only want info about updating Windows 10, you'll find answers to many
of your questions here:

HOW DO I GET THE WINDOWS 10 2022 UPDATE?

When the Windows 10 2022 Update is ready for your device, it will be available
to download and install from the Windows Update page in Settings. Choose a time
that works best for you to download the update. You'll then need to restart your
device and complete the installation. After that, your device will be running
Windows 10, version 22H2.

To manually check for the latest recommended updates, select Start  > Settings >
Update & Security > Windows Update , and then select Check for updates.

Check for updates

To get help updating to the latest version of Windows 10, go to the Microsoft
software download page and download the Update Assistant.

HOW DO I MANUALLY UPDATE MY PC?

Some updates may not be available on all devices at the same time—we’re making
sure updates are ready and compatible.

To stay up to date, select Start  > Settings > Update & Security  > Windows
Update , and then select Check for updates.

Check for updates

If a feature update is available for your device, it will appear separately on
the Windows Update page. To install it, select Download and install now.

I'M HAVING TROUBLE INSTALLING UPDATES OR GETTING AN ERROR (SUCH AS 0X80073712).
WHAT CAN I DO?

Here are a few things you can try if you're having trouble installing updates:

 * Make sure that your device is connected to the internet. Downloading updates
   requires an internet connection.

 * If you’re connected the internet, try to install the updates manually.
   Select Start  > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update , and then
   select Check for updates. 
   
   Check for updates

 * Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Select Start  > Settings > Update &
   Security  > Troubleshoot . Under Get up and running, select Windows Update.

 * If the Troubleshooter doesn't fix the problem, see Troubleshoot problems
   updating Windows or Fix Windows Update errors.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DOWNLOAD UPDATES?

The time required to download updates primarily depends on internet connection
speed, network settings, and update size. Make sure your device is plugged in
and connected to the internet to download updates faster.

HOW CAN I STOP UPDATES FROM DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING? CAN I SKIP UPDATES?

You can’t stop updates entirely—because they help keep your device safe and
secure, updates will eventually need to be installed and downloaded, regardless
of your update settings. Here's how to temporarily pause updates from being
downloaded and installed. Note that after the pause limit is reached, you'll
need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

In the Windows 10 November 2019 Update (version 1909) or later, or in Windows
version 1809 for Pro or Enterprise, select Start  > Settings > Update &
Security  > Windows Update . Then choose one of the following options:

 * Select Pause updates for 7 days.

 * Select Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section, select the
   drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY DEVICE RESTARTS TO INSTALL UPDATES AT A CONVENIENT TIME?

To finish installing an update, your device will need to restart. Windows will
try to restart your device when you're not using it. If it can't, you'll be
asked to schedule the restart for a more convenient time. Or, you can schedule
anytime by following these steps:

 1. Select Start  > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update .

 2. Select Schedule the restart and choose a time that's convenient for you.

You can set active hours to make sure automatic restarts for updates only happen
when you're not using your device. Get updates when you're away from your PC
with active hours in Windows.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH DISK SPACE FOR THE UPDATE?

Try deleting files you don’t need, uninstalling apps you don’t use, or moving
files to another drive like an external USB drive or OneDrive. For more tips on
freeing up disk space, see Free up drive space in Windows.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE UPDATES DON'T USE TOO MUCH BATTERY?

We recommend keeping devices like laptops and tablets plugged in when you’re not
using them. This way, if updates are installed outside active hours, your device
will have enough power to complete the installation. Windows updates don’t
consume more battery than other typical system processes.

HOW DO I SEE INSTALLED UPDATES?

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and
when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don't
recommend this unless it's necessary.

Select Start  > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update  > View update
history .

View update history

For more info about what’s included in updates for Windows 10, see Windows 10
update history.

HOW DO I REMOVE AN INSTALLED UPDATE?

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must
remove an update, you can do so in update history.

 1. Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update   > View
    update history  > Uninstall updates.

 2. Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FEATURE AND QUALITY UPDATE?

Feature updates are typically released twice per year and include new
functionality and capabilities as well as potential fixes and security updates.
Quality updates are more frequent and mainly include small fixes and security
updates. Windows is designed to deliver both kinds of updates to devices through
Windows Update.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE MY DEVICE IS UP TO DATE? 

To double check that your device is up to date, open Settings  > Update &
Security  > Windows Update  and see your update status and available updates.

Check for updates

WHICH VERSION OF WINDOWS AM I RUNNING?

To find which version of Windows you're running, see Which version of Windows
operating system am I running?

WILL RESERVED STORAGE BE TURNED ON FOR DEVICES THAT UPDATE TO THE WINDOWS 10
2022 UPDATE (VERSION 22H2)?

Reserved storage is not automatically turned on by Windows in any update
scenarios. It is only turned on for new devices with the Windows 10 May 2019
Update (version 1903) or later preinstalled, or devices on which a clean install
was performed.

Support for Windows 8.1 has ended

Support for Windows 8.1 ended on January 10, 2023. We recommend you move to a
Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. 

Learn more



Note: If you're looking for Microsoft Office update info, see Install Office
updates.

The best way to keep Windows 8.1 up to date is to turn on automatic updates.
With automatic updates, you don’t have to search for updates online or worry
about missing critical fixes or device drivers for your PC. Instead, Windows
Update automatically installs important updates as they become available. 

To turn on automatic updates: 

 1. Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if
    you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and
    moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings  > Change PC settings > Update
    and recovery > Windows Update. If you want to check for updates manually,
    select Check now. 

 1. Select Choose how updates get installed, and then, under Important updates,
    select Install updates automatically (recommended). 

 1. Under Recommended updates, select Give me recommended updates the same way I
    receive important updates. 

 1. Under Microsoft Update, select Give me updates for other Microsoft products
    when I update Windows, and then select Apply. 

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your
device up to date.

Note: If your PC is connected to a network where updates are managed by Group
Policy, you might not be able to change settings related to Windows Update. For
more info, contact your organization’s technical support. 

HOW DO I MANUALLY CHECK FOR AND INSTALL UPDATES?

Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if
you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and
moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings  > Change PC settings > Update and
recovery > Windows Update. To check for updates manually, select Check now.

HOW DO I SEE INSTALLED UPDATES?

An update history is available so you can see which updates were installed, and
when. You can also use this list to remove specific updates, although we don't
recommend this unless it's necessary.

To see your PC’s update history, open Windows Update by swiping in from the
right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the
lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select
Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery >Windows Update > View your
update history.

HOW DO I REMOVE AN INSTALLED UPDATE?

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must
remove an update, you can do so in update history.

 1. Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if
    you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and
    moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings > Change PC settings > Update
    and recovery > Windows Update > View your update history.

 2. Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

I'M HAVING TROUBLE INSTALLING UPDATES OR GETTING AN ERROR (SUCH AS 0X80073712).
WHAT CAN I DO?

Here are a few things to try if you’re having problems installing updates:

 * Make sure that your PC is connected to the internet. Some updates can’t be
   installed if you’re using a metered internet connection.

 * If you’re connected the internet and updates aren’t installed automatically,
   wait a few minutes and then try to install the updates manually.

 * See the Fix Windows Update errors guided walkthrough to try to fix the
   problem.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates
from Microsoft.

Learn more



Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your
device up to date.

HOW DO I UPDATE MANUALLY?

See How to download a Windows update manually.

HOW DO I SEE INSTALLED UPDATES?

To see your PC’s update history, select the Start button, then select Control
Panel > Programs. Under Programs and Features, select View installed updates. 

HOW DO I REMOVE AN INSTALLED UPDATE?

We don’t recommend that you remove any installed updates. However, if you must
remove an update, you can do so in update history.

 1. Select the Start button, then select Control Panel > Programs. Under
    Programs and Features, select View installed updates.

 2. Select the update you want to remove, then select Uninstall.

I'M HAVING TROUBLE INSTALLING UPDATES OR GETTING AN ERROR (SUCH AS 0X80073712).
WHAT CAN I DO?

Here are some things you can try if you're having problems installing updates: 

 * Make sure that your PC is connected to the internet. Some updates can’t be
   installed if you’re using a metered internet connection.

 * If you’re connected the internet and updates aren’t installed automatically,
   wait a few minutes and then try to install the updates manually.

 * See the Fix Windows Update errors guided walkthrough to try to fix the
   problem.

Note: If your PC is connected to a network where updates are managed by Group
Policy, you might be unable to change settings related to Windows Update. For
more info, contact your organization’s support person. 


RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

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