It is important to keep your Windows operating system updated to the latest version to ensure you have the newest features, security updates, and bug fixes. Windows automatically installs updates in the background; however, you can also manually check for updates if you have missed an update or paused the update process.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to check for and install Windows updates manually onto your system. Additionally, we will discuss how to update drivers and other features in Windows.
How to Check for and Install Windows Updates
If you have paused or missed the update process due to slow internet speed, you can still manually check for updates and install any pending updates.
Here are the steps to do so:
1. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start Menu, and then click on the Settings icon to open it. Alternatively, you can press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. In the settings, click the Check for Update button under the Windows Update tab.
3. If you have any pending Windows updates, you will find an option to download them here. Simply click on the Download and Install button to begin.
4. After that, click on the Restart button to apply the updates.
5. If you have paused the auto Windows updates features for some reason, you can enable it by clicking on the Resume Updates button. As a result, you will never miss any future Windows updates again.
Note
If you are at a metered connection, it is better to pause Windows updates. It will save your internet data.
These are the steps you can follow to manually check for and install any pending updates on your Windows 11 system.
How to Update with Windows 11 Installation Assistant
On the Windows Update setting window, if you are not getting the latest Windows 11 update. You can update your system using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. To do so, follow the following steps:
1. Visit the Windows 11 download page and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant tool.
2. Now, open the Windows 11 Installation Assistant as administrator and allow Windows permission.
3. Once done, accept the license agreement to download and install Windows 11 update on your PC.
4. After that, it will download all the necessary files to your local storage device. This could take some time depending on your network speed.
5. Once the download is complete, it will verify the Windows 11 installation. The installation process should automatically begin after the files have been verified.
6. When your installation is complete, you need to restart your computer to apply the Windows 11 update. To do this, click the Restart now button.
Check for Features and Drive Updates on Windows
Windows feature, quality, and driver updates are necessary updates for any Windows operating system. These include new features, Windows security and bug fixes, and driver updates, all of which are required for the system to function smoothly.
Here are the steps to check for and install them on your system:
1. Open the Settings.
2. Click on the Windows Update tab and select the Advanced options. Here, you will find all the update-related settings.
3. Now, click on the Options updates option under the Additional Option to check features and driver updates.
4. Here you will find all the available updates for Windows features and drivers.
Get the Latest Updates as Soon as Available in Windows 11
Starting with Windows 11 build 22621.1635, Microsoft added a new toggle under Windows Update settings: ‘Get the latest updates as soon as they are available.’
This new option allows users to stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring timely access to the latest enhancements and improvements. When you enable this feature, Microsoft prioritizes your device to receive these updates promptly, keeping your system up-to-date with the latest advancements.
Now, let’s dive into a detailed guide on how to enable or disable the Get the latest updates as soon as they are available option in Windows 11:
1. Click on the Start Menu and select Settings or use the Win + I shortcut.
2. In the settings window, click on the Windows Update option on the left side, as shown in the screenshot.
3. Here, you will find the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available option on Windows 11. By default, it will be disabled.
4. To enable it, toggle the switch to the On position.
5. Once you have done this, you can close the Settings window, if you like.
What to Do If Updates Fail
Occasionally, updates may fail due to network issues or system errors. However, you can easily fix these issues and update your device. Here’s what you can do:
1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find the Windows Update Troubleshooter in the list and click Run to identify and resolve any issues.
4. After that, restart you device.
5. Once done, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates to download and install any available updates.
Conclusion
Checking for updates in Windows 11 is both simple and essential for maintaining your PC’s health, security, and overall performance. By regularly updating your system, you ensure that you’re protected with the latest security patches and have access to new features as they’re released.
To stay ahead, make it a habit to manually check for updates or enable automatic updates. For the best results, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in your Windows Update settings. This puts you at the front of the line for new features, performance improvements, and critical fixes – keeping your system smooth, secure, and up to date.
