Where to find Windows Update on your computer
Windows Update is built into your operating system and lives in your Settings app, not in a separate program you read. The fastest way to reach it is to press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time — this opens Settings directly. Once Settings opens, look on the left side for a menu. Click on "Update & Security" (on Windows 10) or "System" then "Windows Update" (on Windows 11).
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can also reach Settings by clicking the Start button in the bottom left corner, then typing "Settings" and pressing Enter. The Settings app will open, and you can navigate to the same Update & Security or Windows Update section from there.
Key Takeaways
- Windows Update is accessed through your Settings app using Windows key + I, or by clicking Start and typing "Settings".
- The Check for updates button shows you whether new updates are available and begins downloading them automatically if they exist.
- Updates read in the background while you work, but your computer will need to restart to install them — Windows will notify you when a restart is required.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, restarting your computer and checking again usually resolves the problem.
- You can see what updates have already been installed by clicking "View update history" to understand what changed on your system.
How to check for updates right now
Once you are in the Windows Update section, you will see a button that says "Check for updates." Click this button. Windows will connect to Microsoft's servers and look for any new updates designed for your specific version of Windows and your hardware. This check usually takes less than a minute.
After the check completes, Windows will tell you one of three things: that your system is up to date, that updates are available and downloading, or that updates are available but waiting for you to start the read. If updates are available, click the button to read them. The read happens in the background — you can keep using your computer while this occurs.
Understanding what happens after you read updates
Once updates finish downloading, Windows will ask you to restart your computer to install them. You do not have to restart when ready — you can choose to restart later. However, the updates will not actually install until you do restart. Windows will remind you periodically, and it may eventually force a restart if you ignore the reminders for too long.
When you restart, the installation happens automatically before Windows loads normally. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on how many updates are being installed. Your screen may go black or show a progress bar — this is normal. Do not turn off your computer during this process.
What to do if updates are stuck or failing
Sometimes an update will fail to read or install, and Windows will show an error code. The most reliable first step is to restart your computer and check for updates again. Many temporary problems — like a brief internet interruption or a file that was in use — clear themselves after a restart.
If the same update fails twice, write down the error code and restart once more, then go back to Windows Update and try again. If it fails a third time, the problem may be specific to that update. You can continue using your computer normally; Windows will try again automatically in the future, and you can also check manually whenever you want.
Viewing what updates have already been installed
To see a history of updates that have already been installed on your system, go back to the Windows Update section and look for a link that says "View update history." Click it. You will see a list of updates organized by date, with the most recent at the top. Each entry shows the update name and whether it installed successfully.
This list is useful if you want to know what changed on your computer recently, or if you are troubleshooting a problem that started after a specific date. You can also use this history to uninstall an update if it caused a problem — though this is rare and usually only necessary if Windows itself suggests it.
How often you should check for updates
Windows checks for updates automatically in the background, usually once a week. You do not need to manually check every day. However, checking manually once a month is a reasonable habit if you want to stay current, and it takes less than two minutes.
If you have not restarted your computer in several weeks, checking for updates is a good reason to do so. Restarting clears out temporary files and memory, and it ensures that any pending updates get installed. Most people find that restarting once a week or once every two weeks keeps their system running smoothly.
Why Windows needs updates
Updates fix security problems that could let hackers access your computer, patch bugs that cause crashes or slow performance, and add small improvements to how Windows works. Security updates are the most important — they close holes that criminals actively try to exploit. Installing updates regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep your computer safe.
You cannot turn off updates permanently on Windows 10 or Windows 11 — Microsoft requires them for security reasons. You can delay a restart for a few days, but eventually your computer will need to install them. This is by design: a computer that never updates is a computer that becomes vulnerable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check for updates while I am working on something?
Yes. Checking for updates and downloading them both happen in the background and will not interrupt your work. You only need to restart when the read is complete, and you can choose when to do that — though Windows will remind you periodically.
What if my internet is slow and the update read is taking hours?
Windows updates are usually between 100 and 500 megabytes, so they should read within minutes on most home internet connections. If it is taking much longer, check whether other devices on your network are using bandwidth. You can also pause the read, restart your computer, and try again later.
Do I lose my files or programs when Windows installs an update?
No. Updates install on top of your existing system and do not delete your files, photos, documents, or programs. Your desktop, settings, and everything else stay exactly as they were. The restart is just to let Windows finish the installation process.
What does it mean if Windows says an update failed?
A failed update usually means something temporarily prevented the installation — a file was in use, your internet dropped briefly, or a background program interfered. Restart your computer and check for updates again. If the same update fails multiple times, you can continue using your computer normally while Windows tries again in the background.
Is it safe to restart my computer during an update?
No. If Windows is in the middle of installing an update, turning off your computer or restarting it can corrupt the installation and cause serious problems. Wait for the installation to finish — you will see a normal Windows login screen when it is done. If your computer appears frozen during an update, wait at least 30 minutes before assuming something is wrong.