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:
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Avoiding buggy updates: Some users prefer to wait and install updates after they’re proven stable.
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Custom control: Businesses and power users may want full control over which updates are installed.
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Troubleshooting: When automatic updates fail or get stuck, manual installation is often the best solution.
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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:
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Security Updates: Patches for known vulnerabilities.
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Cumulative Updates: Roll-up updates that include all previous fixes.
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Driver Updates: Updates for hardware components.
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Feature Updates: Major upgrades (e.g., from Windows 10 21H1 to 21H2).
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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:
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Stable Internet Connection: For downloading update packages.
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Administrator Access: Required to install updates.
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Free Disk Space: At least 10–20 GB for major updates.
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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
, typewinver
, 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:
To trigger the download and installation process:
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:
If prompted to install NuGet provider, press Y
and continue.
Step 3: Import the Module
Step 4: Check for Updates
Step 5: Install Updates
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
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > View update history.
-
Check the list of successfully installed updates.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
Open CMD and type:
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.
3. Use DISM and SFC Tools
These commands repair system files and Windows Update components.
Best Practices for Manual Updates
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Keep backups: Create a system restore point before installing updates.
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Verify update source: Only download updates from official Microsoft sites.
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Don’t install unnecessary updates: Focus on important and security updates.
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Check for driver compatibility: Especially for GPU or chipset updates.
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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.