Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo install pending Windows updates, open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then choose Download & install for updates Windows offers. Save your work and restart when prompted; on some Windows 10 builds, Windows Update is under Settings > Update & Security.
Install pending updates
- Connect your PC to the internet and open Settings > Windows Update. On some Windows 10 builds, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- For updates Windows lists, select Download & install and allow the process to finish.
- If Windows asks you to restart, save open work and choose Update and restart or Update and shut down. If offered, you can schedule the restart for a suitable time.
- After the restart, return to Windows Update and check again if needed. Microsoft notes that additional updates may become available after earlier ones are installed.
Keep a laptop or tablet connected to its charger while updates install, and do not turn it off while Windows is applying an update.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Windows 10 devices may still show previously available updates, but users should not expect ongoing free security updates.
Check whether an update installed
| Windows version | Update history path |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Settings > Windows Update > Update history |
| Windows 10 | Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history |
Review the history to see whether an update completed or requires attention.
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Why a pending update may not appear
Windows may not offer the same update to every device at the same time. Microsoft may check device compatibility before offering an update, so a feature update that is available elsewhere may not yet appear on your PC.
It helps to distinguish between routine updates and feature updates. Quality and security updates address security, bugs, and reliability; feature updates add or change Windows features. The usual first step for either type is to check Windows Update in Settings.
What to do when Windows Update is stuck or fails
Microsoft says download and installation time depends on connection speed, network settings, and update size. A percentage that appears unchanged briefly does not by itself show that an update has failed. Keep the device connected and give the process time to complete.
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Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
For Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. You can also find the troubleshooter at Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
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In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Run the troubleshooter and follow its instructions.
- Restart the PC if requested.
- Return to Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install any updates offered.
If the problem continues, use Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance for the specific issue rather than running unverified repair commands.
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Install a feature update manually
Microsoft’s Windows Update Assistant is a manual way to install the latest feature update on a compatible PC. It is not the normal route for routine pending updates; use Windows Update in Settings for those. For an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft recommends waiting until Windows Update says the upgrade is ready for your device. Current-version updates may need to be installed and the device restarted first.
- Check your current Windows version by searching for winver and opening it.
- Get the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official Windows download page.
- Run the assistant and follow its compatibility and installation prompts.
- Save your work and allow the PC to restart when required.
Windows 11 updates and restarts
Microsoft says updates released on and after July 28, 2026, are being grouped so that updates requiring a restart can be installed with the monthly security update for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. This experience is rolling out gradually and may not be available on every device. Some updates still install right away, and some do not require a restart.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can Windows updates be paused?
Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ addresses pausing and skipping updates. For most users, installing updates through Windows Update and restarting when prompted is the safer approach than trying to avoid updates indefinitely.
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Sources
- Microsoft Support: Install Windows Updates
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update FAQ
- Microsoft Support: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update Assistant
- Microsoft Support: Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Microsoft Support: One restart a month for Windows updates
FAQ
How do I install pending Windows updates?
Open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and choose Download & install for updates listed. On some Windows 10 builds, open Windows Update under Update & Security.
Why does Windows say a restart is required?
Many updates need a restart to finish installing. Save open work, then choose an offered restart option or schedule it if Windows provides that choice.
Why is an update not appearing?
Update availability can vary by device. Microsoft may check compatibility before offering a feature update, so it may not be ready for every PC at the same time.
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What should I do if Windows Update is stuck?
Download time depends on connection speed, network settings, and update size. If the process does not complete, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, restart if requested, and check for updates again.
Can I use Windows Update Assistant for any pending update?
No. Microsoft describes the Assistant as a way to install the latest feature update manually on a compatible PC. Use Windows Update in Settings for routine updates.
Is Windows 10 still receiving free security updates?
No. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, including free software updates through Windows Update and security fixes.
Quick Recap
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