How to Install Windows Updates

Windows updates are critical for your device. Not only do they offer new features and improved performance over time, but also bug fixes and improved security. They keep you safe and ensure that your computer stays in top condition. One of the first things most computer technicians will ask when you're facing a problem is have you completed all of the Windows updates? With that in mind, here's how to do it!

1) Select 'Start' - Click the icon or press the Windows key.

Using the mouse, trackpad, keyboard or touchscreen, select the 'Windows Icon or the Start Menu Icon in the icon tray at the bottom of your screen. This will bring up the start menu. Once the start menu has opened, click on settings, then Windows Update.

Once you click this button, Windows will go and look for any available updates that your computer requires. This may take some time and will need you to be connected to the internet to function. 

If updates are available, you'll be able to click Download & Install. The computer will take care of the rest. This may take a while, and the computer might restart several times. If your computer does restart, it's worth going back to the update menu and just checking again to make sure it's not found more since the restart!

Sometimes, you may wish to force the computer to restart, for example if it would usually be waiting to do it later. To do it immediately, you can click the 'Restart Now' button once it appears. 

If you don't want to follow this process every time, you can also turn on automatic updates. To do this, follow step 1, but instead of clicking check for windows updates there is a button next to it that will say "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available. Set the toggle on on and your computer will always try and get the latest updates automatically. 

In addition to automatic Windows updates,  you can configure your computer to run updates at specific times of day to avoid interuption during your use of the computer. 

In the same procedure as step 1, above: Select Start > Settings > Windows Update. Once there, click on Advanced Options. 

Next to where it says Active Hours, you can select active hours. This will automatically figure out a good time when the computer is on, but not in use to run the updates. Alternatively, next to active hours you can select manually. This will allow you to choose your own active hours and configure the computer to run the updates at times of your choosing. 

Hope this helps!