How to: Download and install updates in Windows 11


Instructions

  1. Right-click your Start button and choose Settings.



    arrow pointing to windows icon in task bar, and the start menu with settings highlighted

  2. In the left-hand menu, click Windows Update.

    windows settings with windows update tab highlighted

  3. If no updates have been identified yet, you may need to click Check for updates to force Windows to check for new updates.

    in windows update tab, check updates button is highlighted

  4. Once updates are identified, you may click Install now to begin the installation.

    windows update tab with install now button highlighted

  5. If you are prompted to restart your PC to finish installing updates, and if you are ready to restart at this time, click Restart now.

    CAUTION: Before clicking the button, save your work and close any open programs to avoid losing data when restarting.

    windows update tab with restart now button highlighted

    If you are not ready to restart, you may schedule the restart for later. Simply click Schedule the restart.

    windows update tab with schedule the restart button highlighted

    To schedule the restart, ensure that the switch is in the "On" position (slid to the right). Then, pick a time for the restart.

    windows update tab under schedule the restart tab with the on switch, pick a time field, and the pick a day field highlighted

Outcome

If you scheduled a restart, you will see the indicated scheduled time at the top of the Windows Update screen.

windows update with arrow pointing to restart schedule time

Windows will install available updates. You should repeat the steps above continually until the screen indicates that no further updates are available.

windows update tab with an arrow pointing to a "you're up to date" message