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Update Windows Easily – Practical Guide

How to update Windows ? easy tutorial for beginners and seniors

Windows Updates

Keeping your computer up to date is the best way to protect it from online threats and benefit from the latest improvements. Windows provides an automatic tool called Windows Update that takes care of almost everything for you. Let’s see together how to check whether Windows updates are enabled, and how to manually start an update if needed. To learn more about using Windows, check out all our free courses !

Tutoriel informatique pour les nuls : retrouver la clé du wifi !

Pour les lecteurs français
Consultez le guide complet sur comment mettre à jour Windows

Table of Contents

Access Windows Update
Start checking for updates
Install and restart the computer
Best practices
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

The quick solution 😉

To update Windows :
Open Windows Settings
Go to the Windows Update section and check the update status
Install any pending updates

1. Access Windows Update

Everything is done in your computer settings. The Windows update center, called Windows Update, is easily accessible from your PC settings.

Click the Start button (Windows icon at the bottom of your screen). Click the small gear icon called Settings. In the window that opens, click on Windows Update (usually located at the top right or at the bottom of the list).

Other ways to open Settings : use the shortcut “Windows key + i”, or on Windows 11 click the volume or WiFi icon to open quick settings, then click the gear icon. On Windows 11, access Windows Update through Windows Settings, available from the gear icon in the quick settings area of your PC. It’s my favorite method.

Normally, your PC should update automatically. If your PC regularly asks you to restart to complete an update installation, everything is fine. If not, updates are probably waiting to be launched manually. This can happen for several reasons (lack of space – see how to check free space on your PC, Windows Update error, etc.).

Unfortunately, it sometimes happens, especially on older PCs, that the Windows Update service becomes completely blocked. In this case, only resetting the PC can solve the problem. For advanced users, try properly clearing Windows Update temporary folders using official tools, otherwise you risk breaking the update service.

Let's look at this with pictures. Open the Windows settings via the Windows quick settings, at the bottom right of the screen. Start by clicking the sound, battery, or Wi-Fi icon, then click the Settings icon :

How to update Windows ? Easy tutorial for beguinners and seniors.

In the Settings side menu, go to the Windows Update section :

2. Start checking for updates

Once in the Windows Update menu, you will see a large blue button : “Check for updates”. Even if Windows says you are “up to date”, it is recommended to click it once a month. The computer will then connect to Microsoft servers to check for available updates.

Sometimes an update is pending : you just need to click “Install now” to start updating your PC. Make sure you have enough storage space, especially if your computer has a small-capacity drive. If you have a 256 Go, 500 Go or 1To SSD, you usually don’t need to worry about this 😉

Search for new updates or launch pending ones via Windows Update, the Windows update center. If you want to get the latest features before everyone else, enable the option “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available”.

Here is a screenshot ; click on “Check for updates” once a month in Windows Update :

3. Install and restart the computer

If updates are found, they will download automatically. Here are the 3 steps to install the update :

Download : You can continue using your PC during this step.
Installation : Sometimes a button “Install now” will appear.
Restart : This is the crucial step. If Windows asks you to restart, do it as soon as you no longer need your computer. This is when changes are actually applied.

4. Best practices

Never force shutdown: If you see a message saying “Update in progress, do not turn off your computer”, be patient. Turning it off may damage it. Plug in your charger : If you use a laptop, plug it in before starting an update to avoid shutdown due to low battery. Check “Optional updates” : These are sometimes hidden in advanced options and often concern devices like printers or mice.

5. FAQ – Windows Update

How long does an update take?

It depends on the update size and your internet connection. It can take from 2 minutes to over 30 minutes for major updates.

Will my files be deleted?

No, Windows updates change the system but do not affect your documents, photos, or personal folders.

Can I use my PC during the update?

Yes during download. No during the restart phase when the screen may turn blue or black with a progress percentage.

What if the update fails?

Simply restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, check your internet connection.

Conclusion

Updating Windows should not be a concern. It is like a health check for your computer, similar to a car service. By following these simple steps, you ensure your PC remains secure and performs well over time. Knowing how to check Windows Update and install updates manually are two essential skills for any Windows user. Want to learn more about Windows? Check out all our Computer Courses for Beginners.

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End of the lesson

You know now how to update Windows 11.

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Thibaut MATHIEU

Editor of Premiers Clics

Editor and writer of Premiers Clics, and author of the book “Je me mets à l'informatique” (only avalaible in french), I share all my computer knowledge to help you learn, using the Premiers Clics computer courses.

Also the manager of a computer support and repair company, I fully understand your needs in computer training and assistance. Every day, I answer my clients’ questions about their computers, phones, or tablets.

This experience has given me extensive knowledge in consumer digital technology, allowing me to separate fact from fiction in device protection, identify the most common user mistakes, and provide numerous tips to make the best use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets.