Microsoft updating software

In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. To manage your options and see available updates, select Check for Windows updates. If you get an error when trying to update, see Fix Windows Update issues.

If you're trying to activate Windows 11, see Activate Windows for more info. If you're having trouble installing updates, see Troubleshoot problems updating Windows. To get the latest major update of Windows 11, see Get the latest Windows update. Check for Windows updates.

In Windows 10, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. If you're trying to activate Windows 10, see Activate Windows for more info. To get the latest major update of Windows 10, see Get the latest Windows update.

Windows 11 Windows 10 More Clear instructions. Easy to follow. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn't match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical. Not enough information. Not enough pictures. Any additional feedback? When you turn on automatic updating for Windows through Microsoft Update, you'll also get Office updates for earlier versions of Office, such as Office or for Office volume license installs.

Choose your version of Windows below to turn on automatic updates:. Tip: For most versions of Office, you can enable automatic updates or get updates manually within an Office application.

For more information, go to Install Office updates. Under Choose how updates are installed , choose the options that you want, including checking the Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows box so you can get Office updates.

Choose Change settings , and choose or change the settings you want. Be sure to select the Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows box so you can get Office updates. And remember that your computer has to be turned on at the time you selected to install new updates. Under Important Updates , choose Install updates automatically , and under Microsoft Update check the Give me updates for Microsoft products and check for new optional Microsoft software when I update Windows box to get the Office updates.

Your IT department might set automatic updates for you. If they do, you'll see the message in the yellow bar, and you won't be able to use the Important Updates list or set dates and times, like so:. Select any other options, and remember your computer has to be on at the time you selected to install new updates. Updates come in three flavors: Important, Recommended, and Optional. You'll only get the important updates unless you select the second option Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.

It's a good idea to install the recommended updates. It doesn't hurt to install them, but you have to get those updates manually. In the Windows Update dialog box, choose the links to make changes or learn more about the update process. Check for updates Search for available updates.

Change settings Select options for how your computer receives updates from Microsoft.