Netpub_confirm=d1f96ad4be7098d38195de4ed93cb201_2039b1b62f25c296eb8aa8f9880899f1 Step-by-Step Guide to Install Windows Updates Manually
Thu. Jul 3rd, 2025

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is essential for maintaining system security, improving performance, and ensuring software compatibility. While Windows typically installs updates automatically, there are times when you may want or need to install them manually—especially when automatic updates fail or when you want to control what gets installed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of installing Windows updates manually on your computer.


Why Install Windows Updates Manually?

Before diving into the steps, let’s explore a few reasons why someone might prefer or need to install updates manually:

  • Avoiding buggy updates: Some users prefer to wait and install updates after they’re proven stable.

  • Custom control: Businesses and power users may want full control over which updates are installed.

  • Troubleshooting: When automatic updates fail or get stuck, manual installation is often the best solution.

  • Offline systems: Computers without constant internet access need updates downloaded and installed manually.


Understanding the Types of Windows Updates

It helps to know the types of updates you might encounter:

  1. Security Updates: Patches for known vulnerabilities.

  2. Cumulative Updates: Roll-up updates that include all previous fixes.

  3. Driver Updates: Updates for hardware components.

  4. Feature Updates: Major upgrades (e.g., from Windows 10 21H1 to 21H2).

  5. Optional Updates: Non-critical improvements, like new drivers or preview features.


Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before installing updates manually, make sure you meet the following conditions:

  • Stable Internet Connection: For downloading update packages.

  • Administrator Access: Required to install updates.

  • Free Disk Space: At least 10–20 GB for major updates.

  • Backup Your System: Always a good practice before making system changes.


Method 1: Install Windows Updates via Settings (Manual Check)

Even though Windows updates automatically, you can manually trigger a check and install process:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security

Click on Update & Security > Windows Update.

Step 3: Check for Updates

Click the Check for updates button. Windows will scan for available updates.

Step 4: Download and Install

If updates are available, click Download or Install now. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 5: Restart if Needed

Some updates require a restart. Click Restart now or schedule it for later.

Note: This method still relies on Windows Update Service but is triggered manually.


Method 2: Install Specific Updates Using Microsoft Update Catalog

If you know the KB (Knowledge Base) number of a specific update, you can download and install it manually using the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog

Go to https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com

Step 2: Search for the Update

In the search box, type the KB number (e.g., KB5039302) and press Enter.

Step 3: Download the Update

Find the version that matches your Windows OS and click Download next to it.

Step 4: Install the Update

Click the .msu file to launch the Windows Update Standalone Installer.

Step 5: Follow the Installation Wizard

Follow on-screen prompts to install. Restart your computer if prompted.

Tip: If you’re unsure of your Windows version, press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.


Method 3: Install Windows Updates via Command Prompt

This method is suitable for advanced users or system administrators.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Right-click on Start, then choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

Step 2: Use Windows Update Command Line Tool

Type the following command to check for updates:

bash
wuauclt.exe /detectnow

To trigger the download and installation process:

bash
wuauclt.exe /updatenow

Step 3: Monitor via Windows Update UI

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to monitor progress.

Note: This method has limited feedback and is best used with monitoring tools in enterprise environments.


Method 4: Install Updates via PowerShell

PowerShell provides more detailed control and logging.

Step 1: Run PowerShell as Administrator

Search for PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Install Windows Update Module

Run the following command:

powershell
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

If prompted to install NuGet provider, press Y and continue.

Step 3: Import the Module

powershell
Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate

Step 4: Check for Updates

powershell
Get-WindowsUpdate

Step 5: Install Updates

powershell
Install-WindowsUpdate

You may be prompted for each update. Add -AcceptAll -AutoReboot to streamline the process.


Method 5: Install Feature Updates Using Windows 10/11 Installation Assistant

For major Windows version upgrades, you can use Microsoft’s Update Assistant.

Step 1: Download the Assistant

Visit https://www.microsoft.com/software-download

Choose Windows 10 or Windows 11, depending on your OS.

Step 2: Launch the Tool

Click Update now and run the downloaded Windows10Upgrade.exe or Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe.

Step 3: Follow On-Screen Instructions

The tool checks compatibility and downloads the feature update.

Step 4: Install and Reboot

The upgrade will install and may take a while. Reboot when prompted.


Method 6: Install Updates in Safe Mode (for Troubleshooting)

Sometimes updates fail due to driver conflicts or software interference. Installing in Safe Mode can help.

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, go to Boot tab, and check Safe boot.

Restart your PC to enter Safe Mode.

Step 2: Use .msu Installer

Use a pre-downloaded .msu update package and double-click it to install.

Step 3: Restart Normally

Once installed, reopen msconfig and uncheck Safe boot, then restart your computer.


Verifying the Installation

After installing updates manually, confirm that they were successfully installed.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > View update history.

  • Check the list of successfully installed updates.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Open CMD and type:

bash
wmic qfe list

It will show installed updates with details like KB number, description, and install date.


Troubleshooting Manual Update Issues

If your manual update process fails, try the following fixes:

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.

2. Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes update cache corruption causes issues.

bash
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits

3. Use DISM and SFC Tools

bash
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

These commands repair system files and Windows Update components.


Best Practices for Manual Updates

  • Keep backups: Create a system restore point before installing updates.

  • Verify update source: Only download updates from official Microsoft sites.

  • Don’t install unnecessary updates: Focus on important and security updates.

  • Check for driver compatibility: Especially for GPU or chipset updates.

  • Schedule updates wisely: Avoid installing during active work hours to prevent disruptions.


Conclusion

Manually installing Windows updates is a valuable skill for users who need more control, are facing issues with automatic updates, or want to keep systems secure in offline environments. Whether you’re using Settings, Microsoft Update Catalog, PowerShell, or Command Prompt, each method gives you flexibility in how and when to update your PC.

Following this step-by-step guide ensures you stay protected with the latest patches while maintaining control over your system environment. As long as you proceed carefully and take proper backups, manual updates can be just as reliable—if not more so—than automatic ones.

By admin

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