How to Update a Microsoft Windows Computer

Microsoft has greatly enhanced the method people can upgrade their PC since the release of Windows 98.

What is Windows Update?

Windows Update is a free upkeep and support service for users of Microsoft Windows. The Windows operating system and other Microsoft software are updated via the free Windows Update service, which also distributes service packs and fixes. Once it is activated on the system, it automatically finds and installs updates on the user's laptop or desktop system. Windows Update contains software fixes, service packs, and device driver updates as well as helps in preventing new or potentially widespread exploits.

The drivers for popular hardware devices are also updated with the help of using Windows Update service. On the second Tuesday of each month, Windows Update routinely releases patches that are other security updates, which is also known as Patch Tuesday. However, Microsoft does also distribute updates on other days, such as those for critical fixes.

What Is Windows Update Used For?

Windows Update is a cloud-based service that is used to keep Microsoft Windows and a number of other Microsoft applications up to date. In order to shield Windows from malware and malicious assaults, updates frequently incorporate feature improvements and security patches.

Additionally, you can access the update history through Windows Update, which lists every update that has been installed on the computer system with the help of using the Windows Update service.

Windows Update Availability

Windows Update is a feature of all current Windows operating systems, including Windows 11 and Windows 10, as well as earlier versions up through Windows XP.

However, the majority of your other non-Microsoft software is not updated by this service. Those apps can be updated either by using a free software updater program to do it automatically or manually by you.

Here are some instructions for how to install these upgrades, as well as some extra suggestions to assist you in updating your PC.

Microsoft Windows Update

Microsoft Windows 98 or later users should have access to at least some updates for their computer system. In most cases, recent drivers and automatic updates are typically accessible online. All the necessary steps are given below to update your software using Windows.

Note: Microsoft Updates may not be accessible to users who are on a corporate network or using a pirated copy of Microsoft Windows. If you are concerned about updating your computer and are connected to a corporate network, contact your administrator in this condition. We advise buying a legitimate copy of Microsoft Windows if you are using an illegal copy in order to obtain updates.

1. Windows 10 and 11

• In Windows 11 and Windows 10, Windows Update cannot be turned off for home users as it is activated by default. Windows 10 or Windows 11 for business users are the only ones who have the option to delay Windows update installation.
  

2. Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1

• First of all, you need to open the Control Panel.
• Then, you are required to click on the Windows Update option if you are using the Small Icons view. Now, click Windows Update option after selecting System and Security if you are using the Category view.
• Your PC is checked for any updates by Windows Update. Updates are displayed on the screen if any are discovered. We advise you first install all relevant updates as well as service packs, which are available. If certain updates are dependent on other updates, you might occasionally only be able to perform a few significant updates or service pack updates at a time.

3. Windows XP and earlier

• First of all, you need to read the Windows Update FAQ.
• Next, you are required to select the Scan for updates option on the Microsoft Windows Update page. If a plugin installation prompt appears, select Yes. If you don't install this plugin, you will be unable to check for updates.
• Due to the fact that this feature needs to query your computer, Microsoft collects data from your computer so the software can determine what needs to be updated in it. There are numerous urban legends exist that claim Microsoft tries to check your computer for illegal software and steal your personal information with the help of installing unwanted programs. These all are not true. Unless otherwise specified in Microsoft's Privacy Statement, throughout this process, Microsoft gathers data from your computer system. The information below is some of the data that is gathered by Microsoft:
  • Information about the version of your operating system running on your computer.
  • Verifying your product key.
  • Get information about the version of Internet Explorer you are using on your system.
  • Version numbers of any other installed apps in your system for which Microsoft releases updates.
  • Collect information about ID numbers of the hardware components you have installed in your system.
  • Information about your region and language settings.
• Suppose any available updates are shown on the screen once Windows Update has finished scanning. We advise you to install all available important updates as well as service packs first that you have seen on the display. You may only be able to do a few important updates or service pack updates each time in some circumstances.
• Even while for hardware devices, Microsoft offers some driver updates, it is crucial to understand that they may not always have the most recent drivers. You have the option to update your drivers directly from your computer manufacturer; you may want to think about this.

Note: You should restart your computer when you receive a prompt to reboot your system. Rebooting is a crucial step at the time you are updating your Windows computer, and in some circumstances, you may need to reboot your system more than once to install all of the Windows updates that are available. Make sure to visit the Windows update page once more after the machine has restarted to confirm that all the necessary files have been downloaded.

4. Microsoft Windows XP and later users

• Users of Microsoft Windows XP and later have the option to set their computer system to automatically update Microsoft Windows.

Other hardware drivers

We advise you to check that the drivers for the hardware components in your computer are up to date in order to get the greatest performance from your computer.

Unable to view Windows Update page

There are some reasons by which you may not be able to view the Microsoft Windows Update page; the reasons are as follows:

1. If you are using Windows XP, 2000, or an older version of Windows and have recently installed it on your system, the update page is no longer compatible unless you are running the most recent service pack. For further information, refer to Microsoft's instructions to resolving Windows Update errors.
2. There may be that your computer's clock, date, or year settings are incorrect. It is also a reason why are you not be able to view the Microsoft Windows Update page. Hence, set your computer's time and date correctly.
3. You are attempting to use a web browser other than Microsoft Internet Explorer to access the Microsoft Windows Update website.
4. Your network administrators may have disabled this function if you are using a corporate network. A notification will be displayed that the Windows Update feature was deactivated, if this is the situation.
5. You will be unable to access the view the Microsoft Windows Update page if you are utilizing an illegal copy of Microsoft Windows.

Every time I run the Windows Update, my computer has problems

You may experience problems after installing an update; however, Microsoft tests the updates on a variety of computer setups before they are issued. Generally, other software programs, third-party drivers, or software configurations generate these kinds of problems.

If you have installed an update and are facing an issue that is not listed in the documentation, you can try to remove the updates with the help of using Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

There are some important points given below that may help you to prevent problems.

• Disable any anti-virus and anti-spyware software temporarily.
• If you are running any performance tools or disk software utilities on your computer, disable all of them.
• Don't use the computer while the updates are running. Whenever you are installing the updates on the system, step away from it.
• Also, clear internet browser history before updating the system.
• If you have installed an update and are facing an issue that is not listed in the documentation, we advise you to try to update the drivers through the website of the hardware vendor instead of Microsoft.
• We recommend that do not install the update right away when it is released if it is not an important update. Microsoft, in some rare situations, occasionally finds problems with their upgrades after they are initially released that could harm your PC.

Even if issues may arise after running the Microsoft Windows Update, it is still strongly advised that you should update your software on a regular basis because of the bugs and security flaws it can resolve.

How do I know if my computer has all the Windows updates?

Read the Windows Update FAQ if you are unsure that you have installed all of the Microsoft Windows updates on your system. You will be guided through running a Windows update. It will indicate that your PC is up to date if no updates are needed.

As an alternative, software like Belarc Advisor can be downloaded by you, which displays all of your computer's loaded updates along with any crucial ones that may be missing.