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How to Check for Windows Updates (Windows 11 and Windows 10)

Updated October 7, 2026 · 6 min read

  • windows
  • security
  • maintenance

What you will need: A Windows computer connected to the internet, about 10 minutes, and your work saved and closed.

Why bother?

A Windows update is a small package of changes from Microsoft. Some fix security holes, some fix bugs, and some add features. Installing them regularly is one of the simplest ways to keep your computer safe and running well.

Windows usually installs updates on its own, but it can get stuck, paused, or waiting on a restart you haven't done yet. A quick monthly check makes sure nothing slipped through.

Tip: Pick a date and put it on your calendar, such as the first Friday of every month. Microsoft typically releases its main monthly updates on the second Tuesday of the month, so a check in the days after that is a good fit.

Step 1: Find out which version of Windows you have

The two versions look a little different, so start here.

  • Windows 11: The Start button (the Windows logo) is usually in the middle of the bottom taskbar.
  • Windows 10: The Start button is in the bottom-left corner.

Not sure? Press the Windows key (the key with the four-square logo, near the bottom-left of your keyboard) and the R key together. Type winver and press Enter. A small window will tell you the version.

Then follow the matching section below.

Windows 11: Check for updates manually

  1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo on the taskbar).
  2. Click Settings, the gear-shaped icon. If you don't see it, type the word Settings and click it when it appears.
  3. On the left side, click Windows Update. It's usually at the very bottom of the list.
  4. Click the Check for updates button.
  5. Wait a moment. Windows will either say "You're up to date" or start downloading updates.
  6. If updates are listed, they usually install on their own. If you see an Install now or Download & install button, click it.
  7. If you see Restart now, save your work, close your programs, and click it. A restart just means turning the computer off and back on so the update can finish.

Not ready to restart? Click Schedule the restart and choose a time, such as after work hours.

Windows 11: Make sure automatic updates are working

Windows 11 is set to update itself by default, and there's no simple on/off switch. Here's how to make sure nothing is holding it back.

  1. Open Settings, then Windows Update, as above.
  2. Look at the Pause updates option near the top right.
    • If it says Resume updates, updates are paused. Click Resume updates to turn them back on.
  3. Click Advanced options.
  4. Look at Active hours. These are the hours you normally use your computer, and Windows avoids restarting during them. Click it and set the hours to match your workday.
  5. Consider turning on Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating. Windows will then give you a heads-up before restarting.

You may also see a switch called Get the latest updates as soon as they're available. It's optional. Turning it on means you receive new features sooner, but those early updates are less time-tested. If you'd rather play it safe, leave it off.

Windows 10: Check for updates manually

Important note: Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, most Windows 10 computers no longer receive free security updates unless they're enrolled in a special extended program. If your computer says it needs a newer version of Windows, or you see a message about "end of support," that's why. It's worth planning your next step.

  1. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner.
  2. Click the gear-shaped Settings icon just above the power button.
  3. Click Update & Security.
  4. Make sure Windows Update is selected on the left. It usually is.
  5. Click Check for updates.
  6. Wait a moment. Windows will either say "You're up to date" or begin downloading updates.
  7. If you see Install now or Download and install, click it.
  8. If you see Restart now, save your work, close your programs, and click it.

Not ready to restart? Click Schedule the restart and pick a better time.

Windows 10: Make sure automatic updates are working

  1. Open Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update, as above.
  2. Look for a message that says updates are paused. If you see Resume updates, click it.
  3. Click Change active hours. These are the hours you normally use your computer, and Windows avoids restarting during them. Set them to match your workday.
  4. Click Advanced options. Review the choices there. Turning on Update other Microsoft products when I update Windows is a good idea, because it keeps programs like Office up to date too.

Your monthly checklist

Print this or keep it by your computer:

  1. Save your work and close your programs.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Open Windows Update (Windows 10: Update & Security, then Windows Update).
  4. Click Check for updates.
  5. Install anything that appears.
  6. Restart if asked.
  7. Check again after the restart. Sometimes there's a second round.

If something looks wrong

  • The update seems stuck on a percentage. Large updates can take an hour or more. Leave the computer plugged in and let it work. Don't turn it off in the middle of an update.
  • Nothing has moved for several hours. Restart the computer, then go back to Windows Update and click Check for updates again. Windows usually picks up where it left off.
  • You see an error code (something like 0x8007...). Write it down or take a photo of the screen. The exact code is what tells a technician what went wrong.
  • The same update keeps failing. Don't keep retrying for days. Repeated failures usually point to something specific that's worth having someone look at.