How to update Windows 10
Here’s how to update Windows 10 to get patches and new features
If you know how to update Windows 10, you'll have a strong control over keeping your system running safely and smoothly.
Not only do updates make regular tweaks to the operating system, including fixing bugs, glitches, and issues that can cause your PC or laptop to crash. Programs you use every day might stop working as they become incompatible with the outdated version of Windows you’re running.
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In essence, keeping Windows up to date will ensure that you’ve got the least buggy version of the OS, and the one that will work most smoothly with both Microsoft programs and as well as software from third-party developers like Google.
Thankfully updating Windows 10 is a very easy process that won’t take you more than a couple of clicks. Once you know how to do it we recommend regularly checking for updates to ensure you don’t fall behind and end up running an older version of Windows.
If you’re unsure of how to go about updating Windows, then read on as below we’ll talk you through the steps of how to update Windows 10.
1. Select Settings from the Start Menu
The start menu is located on the toolbar of your Windows 10 device. Just click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen, or alternatively, you can type ‘settings’ into the search bar right next to it.
2. Select Updates and Security from Setting Menu
Once you’ve loaded up the Settings Menu, select Updates and Security from the list of options. If for any reason you’re struggling to locate it, you can use the search bar at the top to quickly find it.
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3. Click Check for updates
Once you’re on the Updates and Security Menu at the very top will be all the information you need. Windows will tell you if you’re up to date without you needing to do anything, but if you want to double-check just hit the ‘Check for updates’ button.
4. Download and restart
If updates are available, your system will download them now. Once they've finished downloading and installing, you'll get a prompt to update now or schedule a restart for later (if the Windows 10 update requires a restart).
5. Check for further updates (Optional)
This is an optional step, so only go this far if you’re looking for a specific update that hasn’t yet been installed. The updates here are more something to be used if you are hunting for a specific feature not on your system yet.
Just hit the ‘view optional updates’ button and Windows will give you a list of any additional updates that can be made, should you have any. This is a more advanced setting, so unless you use a lot of third-party programs this step isn’t required.
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Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.