Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTo manually check Windows 11 for updates, open Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If Windows offers updates, choose Download & install; restart when prompted. A manual check finds updates currently available for your device, but it does not bypass Microsoft’s staged rollout or compatibility checks.
Check for and install Windows 11 updates
- Connect your PC to the internet. If you are updating a laptop or tablet, Microsoft recommends keeping it plugged in during installation.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If updates appear, select Download & install and wait for Windows to finish.
- Restart if Windows asks you to. You can schedule a restart for a more convenient time; setting active hours can help avoid inconvenient automatic restarts.
For Microsoft’s instructions, see Install Windows Updates.
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How to confirm an update installed
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history to review installed updates and when they were installed. This is the most direct way to check whether a particular update completed.
Microsoft also explains update history and restart behavior in its Windows Update FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Install optional driver updates separately
Optional driver updates are not installed automatically, and you do not need to install every optional driver to complete a normal Windows update. To review the drivers available for your PC:
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Select the driver updates you want.
- Choose Download and install.
See Microsoft’s guide to automatically getting recommended and updated hardware drivers for details.
Why Windows 11 may not offer the newest update
Updates are not necessarily offered to every PC at once. Microsoft stages availability while it assesses readiness and compatibility, so selecting Check for updates does not force an update that is not yet available for your device.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available setting can prioritize eligible non-security updates, fixes, and features. It does not guarantee immediate access to every release, and regular security updates continue whether the setting is on or off. Microsoft describes how this setting works in Get Windows updates as soon as they’re available for your device.
Rank #2
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
- [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
If a newer Windows version is still missing
If a newer Windows version is not offered through the normal Windows Update check, Microsoft identifies the Windows Update Assistant as a separate manual software route. It is an alternative for a version upgrade, not a required step for installing ordinary updates offered in Settings. See Microsoft’s Windows update installation guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If an update is slow or fails to install
Allow for download and installation time
How long an update takes depends mainly on your connection speed, network settings, and the update’s size. A metered connection can affect automatic installation behavior, and insufficient free disk space can prevent an update from installing. Microsoft covers these factors in its Windows Update FAQ.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
For an update error, start with Microsoft’s automated troubleshooter:
Quick Recap
- Open the Get Help app.
- Run the automated Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Follow the suggested steps, then try Windows Update again. If the problem remains, continue with Microsoft’s additional troubleshooting guidance.
See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.
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