How to check for Windows Updates

How do I check for Windows Updates in my PC?

Windows 10

In Windows 10, Windows Update is found within Settings.

To open Settings, select the Start menu, followed by the gear/settings icon to the left. In that location, choose Update & Security, followed by Windows Update on the left.

Check for new Windows 10 updates by choosing Check for updates.

In Windows 10, downloading and installing updates is automatic and will occur immediately after checking or, with some updates, at a time when you are not using your computer.

Windows 8/8.1

In Windows 8/8.1, the best way to access Windows Update is via the Control Panel.

Windows Update is included as an applet in the Control Panel, complete with configuration options and update history.

To update, simply open the Control Panel and choose Windows Update.

Select Check for updates to check for new, uninstalled updates. Installation either occurs automatically or might need to be initiated by you via the Install updates button, depending on what version of Windows you are using and how you have Windows Update configured.

Note for Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/98/95:

⛔ Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/98/95. Therefore, Updates will not be up to date. To cover the requirement of running windows updates simply run Windows Update in these versions of Windows as far as updates are available. 

Windows 7/Vista

Windows Updates for Windows 7/Vista are available in the Control Panel.

Open Control Panel and choose Windows Update.

Select Check for updates to check for new, uninstalled updates. Installation either occurs automatically or might need to be initiated by you via the Install updates button, depending on what version of Windows you are using and how you have Windows Update configured.

Windows XP and previous versions.

In Windows XP and previous versions of Windows, Windows Update is available as a service hosted on Microsoft's Windows Update website.

Similar to the Control Panel applet and Windows Update tool in newer versions of Windows, available Windows updates are listed alongside a few simple configuration options.

To check for and install uninstalled updates for these older operating systems, select the respective links and buttons that will be offered on the Windows Update website.