Install Windows Updates

Overview

Windows devices may get new functionality at different times as Microsoft delivers non-security updates, fixes, improvements, and enhancements. It is recommended that your computer is set to receive security and operating system updates regularly and automatically. Windows will let you know if you need to restart your device to complete an update, and you can choose a time that works best for you to complete that update.

Users of college-issued hardware may not be able to edit some of these settings. Software updates on these computers are managed by Information Technology.

Versions of Windows older than Windows 11 are no longer supported by Microsoft and will no longer receive security updates. If you have a computer running Windows 10 (or older), you should upgrade to Windows 11. This may require the purchase of new hardware.

Steps

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Windows Update.
3. Click Check for Updates. Depending on the status of available updates, the button may say Install Now, or Restart Now instead.
4. If updates are available, install them. You may be required to restart your computer during the update process.
5. Once the update is complete or if there are no available updates, you will get the message You're up to date.

You can view if your updates are paused. You can also set Windows Update to update other Microsoft products by visiting the advanced options on this page.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Click Check for Updates. Depending on the status of available updates, the button may say Install Now, or Restart Now instead.
4. If updates are available, install them. You may be required to restart your computer during the update process.
5. Once the update is complete or if there are no available updates, you will get the message You're up to date.