Windows Update: FAQ

Windows 10 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you'll get the latest fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If other questions come up when you update Windows 10, here are some other areas that might interest you:

• How to reset your Microsoft account password
• Activation in Windows 10
• Get started with Windows 10

When you only want info about updating Windows 10, you'll find answers to many of your questions here:

The best way to keep Windows 8.1 up to date is to turn on automatic updates. With automatic updates, you don’t have to search for updates online or worry about missing critical fixes or device drivers for your PC. Instead, Windows Update automatically installs important updates as they become available. 

To turn on automatic updates: 

1. Open Windows Update by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the lower-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer up), select Settings  > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Windows Update. If you want to check for updates manually, select Check now. 

2. Select Choose how updates get installed, and then, under Important updates, select Install updates automatically (recommended). 

3. Under Recommended updates, select Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates. 

4. Under Microsoft Update, select Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows, and then select Apply. 

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.

Click the questions below to see answers about how Windows Update keeps your device up to date.