How to Update Windows 11

Update Windows 11 running smoothly and securely. Some updates use a lot of bandwidth. Delivery optimization reduces this load by distributing the work among multiple devices in your deployment.

If you’re having problems upgrading or installing, check the list of error codes for specific steps you can take to resolve them. If you don’t find a solution, contact Microsoft support for help.

Updating Windows 11 is essential for maintaining system security, fixing bugs, and accessing new features. Here’s how you can update your Windows 11 operating system:

Using Windows Update Settings

1. Open Windows Update: Press the Windows key, type “Update,” and select “Check for updates” from the search results.
2. Check for Updates: Click on “Check for updates” to see if any updates are available for your system.
3. Download and Install Updates: If updates are available, click “Download” and then “Install” to start the update process. Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection as the updates can be large.
4. Restart Your PC: After the updates are installed, you might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using the Update Assistant

1. Download the Update Assistant: Visit the Microsoft website and search for “Windows 11 Update Assistant.” Download and run this tool.
2. Check for Updates: The Update Assistant will check if your system is up to date. If updates are available, it will guide you through the update process.
3. Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the updates.
4. Restart Your PC: After the updates are installed, restart your computer as prompted.

Method 3: Using Windows Installation Media (Advanced)

1. Create Windows Installation Media: Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool. Follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
2. Boot from Installation Media: Restart your PC and boot from the installation media you created.
3. Select ‘Install Now’: Follow the prompts until you reach the installation type screen.
4. Choose ‘Keep personal files and apps’: This option will update your system while keeping your files and applications intact.
5. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
6. Restart Your PC: After the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Remember to back up important files before major updates or installations. Windows updates might take some time, so ensure your PC is plugged into a power source and won’t be shut down during the update process.

Check for updates

Updates, also known as service packs or patches, are essential to the operating system. They are designed to solve specific problems, protect against malicious software and add new features to the OS. They can be installed manually or via Windows Update, which is the easiest method.

You can check for updates on Windows 11 by going to the Settings app and selecting “Update & security.” Click the “Check for updates” button, which will scan your computer for any available updates. It will then download and install any updates that are found, though you may need to restart your PC for this to happen. Depending on your settings, you may also receive updates automatically, either while you’re working on the computer or during an off-hours reboot.

If you’re having trouble updating Windows 11, try some basic troubleshooting steps. These include restarting your device, resetting your Internet connection, pausing updates and freeing up space on the disk. You can also use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker command-line tools to restore the update system if it’s corrupted.

You can also view your update history on Windows 11. This option is not available in the Settings app, but it’s easy to find through PowerShell. Open the search bar in the taskbar and type “Windows PowerShell,” then right-click on the top result and select “Run as administrator.” Then, type Get-WUHistory, which will show a list of the most recent 20 updates installed on your device.

Download the update

If you haven’t yet updated Windows 11, you can get it for free by going to Settings > Update & security. You’ll be prompted to download and install the feature update, which Microsoft calls “cumulative.” A cumulative update (also known as a quality update) is a service patch that fixes bugs and enhances security on your computer. Cumulative updates usually download and install automatically via Windows Update. Google

The installation process could take a few hours, so it’s important to keep your PC connected and plugged in during the entire process. The computer will go through three steps: downloading, verifying the download, and then installing. During this time, the computer may restart several times. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be able to log in and enjoy all of the new features available in Windows 11.

You can also manually download a feature update by visiting Microsoft’s website. There, you’ll find the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. This tool is a free download, and it will scan your hardware to make sure it’s compatible with the latest version of Windows. Once the program is installed, you can click Accept and install to agree to the license agreement and start the installation.

You can even use a command prompt to download and install a Windows update package manually. Just search for a knowledge base number, such as KB5015814, and follow the directions to download the update.

Install the update

If you use a Windows PC or laptop to work from home or for travel, it’s essential to keep your computer updated with the latest patches. Microsoft releases these updates to repair bugs, enhance security and improve system performance.

These updates are available through the Windows Update service, and they usually download and install automatically. However, if you want to install them manually, click the “Check for updates” button on the Settings menu and then click the download and install options. This can take a while, especially if you’re using a slow connection.

In addition to offering security and bug fixes, the Windows updates include features that can make your computer more environmentally friendly. For example, they can prioritize installing updates at times when fossil fuels are less likely to be used on the electrical grid.

Some PCs have trouble with the upgrade process and may show an error message in the Windows Update menu. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand what the error means so that you can fix it.

If you’re getting an error that says your PC isn’t compatible with Windows 11, try running a compatibility check via the PC Health tool or the installation assistant. This can help you identify incompatible apps that might be causing problems with the upgrade process.

Restart

There’s more than one way to restart Windows 11. If you’re a power user, it’s useful to know a few different ways. That way, you can be sure that your computer isn’t stalled out when the time comes to apply updates.

For example, you can use the command shutdown -r -t 00 from a command prompt to schedule an automatic restart for your PC. You can also use Task Scheduler to perform the same action. To open Task Scheduler, just search for it in the search bar or press Win + S. Then, select the program to start and enter the command in the window.

Another easy way to restart Windows 11 is with a physical power button. On laptops, this is often a keypad button, while desktops have an actual power button on the unit. Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Delete to access the Security Options menu and restart your laptop from there.

Installing Windows 11 via Windows Update is an “in-place” installation, which means that you’ll install it over existing apps and files on your computer. It’s a safe approach, provided that you back up your existing files first, and Microsoft offers a rollback period within ten days of upgrading to Windows 11.

Some users encounter errors when installing or updating Windows 11, like “Error: We couldn’t complete the updates. Undoing changes.” If you receive this error, try the tips in General fixes. You can also bypass the error by using a command-line tool or editing your registry.