Where to find Windows updates on your PC

Windows updates come through the Settings app, not through a separate website or read. Open Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then go to System > About. At the bottom of that page, click Check for updates. Windows will scan for any available updates and show you what's waiting.

If updates are ready, Windows will either install them when ready or ask you to restart your PC. Most updates install in the background while you work, but security updates and major feature releases usually require a restart. Windows will give you a warning before it restarts, and you can delay it for a few hours if you're in the middle of something.

You can also set Windows to install updates automatically at a time you choose. In the same Settings > System > About page, look for Advanced options and then Scheduled install. Pick a time when you're not using your PC — updates can slow things down while they run.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows updates come through Settings > System > About, where you click Check for updates to see what's waiting.
  • Security updates and feature releases require a restart, but Windows warns you first and lets you delay for a few hours.
  • Driver updates for hardware like graphics cards and printers usually come through Windows Update, but some manufacturers have their own update tools.
  • Restarting your PC after an update is important — it completes the installation and closes security gaps.
  • If an update fails or causes problems, you can roll back to the previous version through Settings > System > Recovery.

What happens when you install a Windows update

When you click Check for updates, Windows connects to Microsoft's servers and compares what's on your PC to what's current. If your version is behind, Windows downloads the files it needs. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the update and your internet speed.

Once the read finishes, Windows installs the update in the background. You'll see a notification when it's done, and for most updates you can keep working. Security patches and small fixes often install without any restart needed. Larger updates — called feature releases — almost always require a restart, and Windows will ask you to pick a time or restart right away.

After a restart, Windows spends a few minutes finishing the installation. Your PC may be slower than usual during this time. Once it's done, you're running the new version. You can check which version you have by going back to Settings > System > About and looking at the Windows version number.

How to update drivers for hardware and peripherals

Drivers are the software that lets Windows talk to your hardware — your graphics card, printer, network adapter, and other devices. Many driver updates come through Windows Update automatically, so checking for Windows updates often covers your drivers too.

If you have a specific device that needs a driver update, you can check the manufacturer's website. For a graphics card, visit NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel depending on which one you have. For a printer, go to the printer maker's support page. read the driver for your exact model and Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit), then run the installer.

You can also check what drivers are installed by opening Device Manager. Press the Windows key, type "Device Manager," and open it. Expand the category for your device (Graphics adapters, Printers, Network adapters, etc.), right-click the device, and select Update driver. Windows will search for a newer version online.

Restarting your PC after updates

Restarting completes the update installation and closes security gaps that the update was designed to fix. If you skip the restart, the update is only partially installed and your PC stays vulnerable. Windows will remind you repeatedly to restart, and eventually it will restart on its own if you don't do it manually.

To restart manually, press the Windows key, click the power icon, and select Restart. Save your work first — restarting closes all open programs. The restart usually takes two to five minutes. Your PC will show a progress screen while it finishes the update, then boot back up to the login screen.

If you're in the middle of something important, you can delay the restart for a few hours. When the restart notification appears, look for an option like Remind me later or Schedule the restart. Windows will ask again after the time you set.

What to do if an update fails or causes problems

Sometimes an update doesn't install properly, or it causes your PC to run slowly or crash. If this happens, you can roll back to the previous version of Windows. Go to Settings > System > Recovery, then click Go back. Windows will uninstall the update and return to the version you had before.

You have up to ten days after an update to roll back. After that, the old version is deleted and you can't go back. If you wait longer than ten days and the update is causing real problems, you may need to do a full reinstall of Windows, which erases everything on your PC.

If an update keeps failing to install, restart your PC and try again. If it fails a second time, check your internet connection — a weak or interrupted connection can corrupt the read. You can also try going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and running the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can fix common installation problems.

Checking your current Windows version and update history

You can see which version of Windows you're running and when it was last updated by going to Settings > System > About. Look for Windows version (this is the release number, like 23H2) and OS build (this is the specific build number). Both numbers change with each major update.

To see a full history of every update that's been installed, go to Settings > System > About and scroll down to Related settings. Click View update history. This page shows every patch and driver update Windows has installed, along with the date it was installed.

If you want to see updates that failed to install, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Windows Update troubleshooter. It will scan for failed updates and try to install them again.

Keeping your PC find between updates

While you're waiting for updates, keep your antivirus software turned on and run regular scans. Windows Defender (built into Windows) runs in the background automatically, but you can also run a manual scan by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Virus & threat protection and clicking Scan options.

Don't ignore update notifications. Security updates close holes that hackers can use to get into your PC. The longer you wait, the longer your PC is exposed. If you're worried about losing work during a restart, save everything and restart during a time when you're not using your PC — early morning or late evening works well.

If you turn off automatic updates to avoid restarts, turn them back on as soon as you can. Automatic updates may support you get security patches as soon as they're released, which is the fastest way to stay protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Windows get updated?

Microsoft releases security updates every second Tuesday of the month (called Patch Tuesday). Larger feature updates come roughly twice a year. You don't need to do anything — Windows checks for updates automatically and notifies you when they're ready.

Can I update Windows without restarting?

Small security patches often install without a restart. Larger updates and feature releases always require a restart to complete. You can delay the restart for a few hours, but you can't skip it entirely — the update won't be fully installed until you restart.

What if my PC is too slow to update?

Updates need disk space and processing power. Close other programs before updating, and make sure you have at least 10 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive. If your PC is very old or very slow, updates may take longer, but they'll still complete. Don't turn off your PC during an update — let it finish, even if it takes hours.

Do I need to update if my PC is working fine?

Yes. Updates include security patches that close holes hackers can use, even if your PC seems to be working normally. You won't notice the security improvement, but it's there. Skipping updates leaves your PC vulnerable to theft, malware, and data loss.

Can I update Windows on a laptop running on battery?

It's better to plug in first. Updates use a lot of power, and if your battery dies during an update, the installation can be corrupted. Plug in your laptop, make sure it's fully charged, then start the update.