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How to set up and use Windows Update for automatic updates.

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    how-to.digital
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Title: How to Set Up and Use Windows Update for Automatic Updates

Introduction

Windows Update is a crucial feature of the Windows operating system, as it ensures that your computer is updated with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and new features. In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up and use Windows Update for automatic updates, ensuring that your system remains up-to-date and secure.

Table of Contents

  1. Enabling Windows Update
  2. Setting Automatic Update Preferences
  3. Configuring Advanced Options
  4. Checking for Updates Manually
  5. Troubleshooting Windows Update

1. Enabling Windows Update

Before you can use Windows Update, you need to ensure that it is enabled on your computer. Here's how you can do it:

  • Step 1: Click on the Start button and open the Settings application.
  • Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
  • Step 3: Select the Windows Update tab from the left sidebar.
  • Step 4: Click on the Check for updates button to ensure that Windows Update is enabled.

2. Setting Automatic Update Preferences

By default, Windows Update is configured to install updates automatically. However, you can customize these settings based on your preferences. Here's how you can do it:

  • Step 1: Open the Settings application by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings.
  • Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
  • Step 3: Select the Windows Update tab from the left sidebar.
  • Step 4: Click on the Change active hours option to specify the time range during which your system will not be interrupted by automatic updates.
  • Step 5: Toggle on the Restart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install an update option if you want your system to restart automatically after updates are installed.

3. Configuring Advanced Options

Windows Update also offers advanced options for greater control over the update process. Here's how you can configure these options:

  • Step 1: Open the Settings application.
  • Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
  • Step 3: Select the Windows Update tab from the left sidebar.
  • Step 4: Click on the Advanced options link.
  • Step 5: In the Advanced options menu, you can configure options such as pausing updates, choosing how updates are delivered, and more.

4. Checking for Updates Manually

Although Windows Update is set to check for updates automatically, you can also check for updates manually. Here's how:

  • Step 1: Open the Settings application.
  • Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
  • Step 3: Select the Windows Update tab from the left sidebar.
  • Step 4: Click on the Check for updates button to start the manual update process.
  • Step 5: If updates are available, click on the Download and install button to initiate the installation.

5. Troubleshooting Windows Update

If you encounter issues with Windows Update or updates fail to install, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

  • Restart your computer and try updating again.
  • Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
  • Check for any pending updates for other Microsoft products (e.g., Office).
  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which can automatically detect and resolve common Windows Update issues.
  • Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software that may be interfering with the update process.

With these steps, you can set up and use Windows Update for automatic updates, ensuring that your Windows system stays secure and up-to-date.

Remember, keeping your system updated is crucial for maintaining its performance, stability, and security.