How to Update Windows: Step-by-Step Process

Steps to Update Windows Manually

Follow these steps to update Windows manually:

• Select the Start menu, then Settings (or press Win + I).
• In Settings, select Windows Update.
• Select Check for updates. Windows scans for available updates, and if there are none you’ll see “You’re up to date.”
• If updates are available, select Download & install (Download & install all when several are waiting).
• When installation finishes, Windows asks you to restart. Select Restart now, or schedule the restart for later.

How Do You Update Windows 10?

The steps on Windows 10 are similar, but Windows Update sits under a different menu:

• Select Start, then Settings (or press Win + I).
• Select Update & Security, then Windows Update.
• Select Check for updates, then Download & install for any updates it finds.
• Restart your PC when Windows asks you to.

Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 PCs no longer receive feature updates, security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

To keep getting security updates, enroll in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program, which runs until October 12, 2027. It needs Windows 10 version 22H2, and enrollment is free if you sync your PC settings with Windows Backup; otherwise it costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time $30. If your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, the upgrade itself is free and appears on the Windows Update page.

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Steps to Update Windows Automatically

Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your device secure, so for most people there is nothing to switch on. To make sure it is working:

• Open Start > Settings > Windows Update and check that updates are not paused. If they are, select Resume updates.
• Under Advanced options, set Active hours so automatic restarts only happen when you are not using the PC.

If updates never seem to download, check that the Windows Update service has not been disabled:

• In the search bar, type Services and open it.
• Scroll down and double-click Windows Update.
• Under General, check Startup type. It must not be Disabled; set it to Automatic, then select Apply and OK.

Why Should You Update Windows?

Updating Windows helps keep your OS secure, run smoothly, maintain overall OS health, protect against threats, and improve performance.

Below are some key reasons why updating is important:

• Get Upgraded Security: Updates install security patches that close the holes malware, viruses and other attacks rely on.
• Bug Fixes: Updates address system bugs that may cause crashes, slowdowns, or software incompatibilities.
• Improved Performance: Updates often include performance fixes, so an out-of-date system can run slower than it should.
• Find New Features: Microsoft regularly introduces features and enhancements that often improve the user experience.
• Better Software Compatibility: Keeping Windows current helps newer apps and drivers install and run without problems. If a site still misbehaves after an update, clearing cookies in Windows is a quick next step.

Conclusion

Keep Windows updated to stay secure and stable. On Windows 11, leave automatic updates on and check Settings > Windows Update now and then; on Windows 10, enroll in ESU or plan your move to Windows 11 before October 12, 2027. On a Chromebook, the process is different; see how to update ChromeOS.

If you build websites, the Windows version your visitors run matters too. The real-time browser testing guide shows how to open your site on Windows 10 and Windows 11 browsers in the cloud.