Microsoft has made it easier to keep Windows software up to date by automatically downloading and installing the most recent features and improvements, drivers, and hotfixes provided by Microsoft—with fewer interruptions and restarts when you’re using your PC the most.
When new updates become available, they will be automatically downloaded and installed. (Unless you’re using a metered connection, updates will not download until you explicitly check for them.)
This article is aimed at explaining practical steps on how to update software on Windows and Android.
Where To Update Software On Windows 10
There are at least five ways to manually update the system, drivers, and programs in Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Manually install updates using Windows Update
To download and install updates using Windows Update, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on Windows 10.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “Check for updates” button to download the most recent updates.
- Click the Restart now button.
If an update is available after completing the steps, it will be downloaded and installed on your computer automatically.
2. Manually install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog
To obtain and install Windows 10 updates manually, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for the update’s knowledge base number, such as KB5030211.
- Click the Download button to install the “Cumulative Update.”.
Quick note: The website frequently lists multiple versions of the same software, such as ARM64, x64, x86, and Windows Server. Your system settings will determine the package you need to download. However, in most cases, you should download the “x64” version, which is the 64-bit version of the update. Of course, if you are using a 32-bit version of Windows 10, download the x86 variant. You can find the system architecture under Settings > System > About.
- To download the “.msu” package, click the provided link.
- Click the close button.
- Simply double-click the “.msu” file.
- To install the update, simply click the Yes button.
- Click the Restart Now button.
- After completing the procedures, the cumulative update will be applied to Windows 11.
3. Manually install updates using Command Prompt.
While Command Prompt does not have a mechanism for checking for updates, you can use the console to install a.msu package and update the system with the most recent changes.
To install Windows 10 updates from Command Prompt, follow these steps.
- Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for the update’s knowledge base number, such as KB5030211.
- Click the Download button to install the “Cumulative Update.”
- To download the “.msu” package, click the provided link.
- Click the close button.
- Select Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose Run as administrator.
- To install a new update in Windows 10, use the following command and press Enter: wusa c:\PATH\TO\UPDATE.msu /quiet /norestart
In the command, replace the path with the location and name of the.msu update package. This example will install the KB5030211 update: wusa c:\Users\USERACCOUNT\Downloads\windows10.0-KB5030211-x64.msu /quiet /norestart
To ensure that the update was correctly installed, type the following command and press Enter: wmic qfe list short, format:table
Note: Updates sometimes take a long time to install. As a result, you should wait around five to ten minutes before running this command. If the update does not apply to your system settings, the command will not execute. Once the update appears in the list, you can restart the device.
To restart the device, type the following command and press Enter: Shutdown /r/t 00
After you finish the procedures, the quality update will install quietly, and the device will restart to make the improvements to Windows 10.
The website provides both “Cumulative Updates” and “Dynamic Cumulative Updates.” Typically, dynamic updates are created for companies to ensure that devices receive the most recent feature material while retaining earlier features on demand and language packs. For home and small office situations, always select the usual “Cumulative Updates” option.
4. Install optional updates
Optional updates are not necessary for Windows 10, although they may be required for other features. These updates are usually available for both Microsoft and non-Microsoft products, as well as feature updates and third-party drivers.
To install optional updates on Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “View optional updates” option.
Quick note: If the option is not available, it means that Windows Update does not have any additional drivers for your device.
- To view optional updates, click on the category. For example, driver updates.
- Check for optional updates to install.
- Click the “Download and Install” button.
Once you’ve completed the procedures, Windows Update will download and install the packages on your computer.
In previous versions, you could also install optional driver updates through Device Manager. However, the option has been deleted, and all updates are now available from the Windows Update settings page.
5. Install feature updates
Feature updates are technically new versions of Windows 10 that provide new features and make substantial modifications. These updates are optional, and you must manually apply them to upgrade to the latest version.
The instructions below give an overview of the installation process. However, because these updates may cause issues before and after installation, you should save a complete backup before starting in case something goes wrong and you need to roll back.
To install a feature update in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on Windows 10.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the “Check for updates” button (if applicable).
If your device is compatible with Windows 11 and receives an upgrade notification, select “Stay on Windows 10 for now” to access the version 22H2 upgrading option.
In the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 22H2” section, select the “Download and Install now” button.
Click the Restart Now button.
Where To Update Software On Android: Update Old Android Phone To Latest Version
Before you begin the update process, make sure you understand what you’re going to do. Updating your Android phone means installing the most recent operating system available for your device. This can result in additional features, increased security, and enhanced performance.
Step 1: Check for updates
Navigate to your phone’s settings and locate the ‘About Phone’ section. From there, search for ‘System Updates’ or ‘Software Updates.’
Many Android phones check for updates automatically, but it’s always a good idea to check manually to make sure you don’t miss any critical ones. If an update becomes available, your phone will usually alert you.
Step 2: Back Up Your Data
Before you begin the upgrade, be sure to backup any crucial data, including contacts, images, and apps.
Updating your phone should not remove any of your data, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Store your vital information in the cloud via Google Drive or on a computer.
Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi
To prevent using mobile data, ensure that your phone is linked to a Wi-Fi network. Updates can be huge files, and downloading them over a mobile network may result in additional charges to your phone account. Wi-Fi is typically speedier and more reliable for such downloads.
Step 4: Start the update
After checking for updates, backing up your data, connecting to Wi-Fi, and charging your phone, you can start the upgrade. To install the new version of Android, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
The update will download, and your phone will restart. It may restart numerous times and remain on the update screen for an extended period. Do not be frightened; this is typical.
Once the update is completed, your phone will boot up with the latest version of Android loaded. You will notice changes right away, such as a changed interface or new features. Your phone may also feel faster or more responsive as a result of recent software optimizations.
Conclusion
Keeping your software up to date is more than just a good habit; it is critical for preserving your computer’s security and efficiency. By following these simple steps, you can keep your system up to date. Regular updates repair bugs, add new features, and protect you from the most recent security threats.