How to Check for Software Updates on Windows 

How to check for software updates on windows

In 2026, keeping your PC is no longer optional. If you are seeking enhanced security, faster operational speeds, the latest features, and fewer issues with your applications, then knowing how to check for Windows updates is one of the most essential skills to acquire. Sounds simple? Think again. It applies to Windows 11 or before.

The full Windows Software Update Guide to help novices like you understand how to check Windows updates and the updates of your applications, how to update your drivers, how to fix failed updates, what the best Windows software updater tools are, and much more.

What are Software Updates on Windows?

Software updates are enhancements made by Microsoft or application builders that correct problems, strengthen security, include features, and improve functionality.

On a Windows PC, updates usually fall into four categories:

Many Windows users are under the impression that this tool is only a Windows update facility, but in the latest generation of Microsoft Windows PCs, this is what Windows Update also offers:

• Microsoft Store apps
• Security intelligence updates
• Driver updates
• Optional feature packs

Why Keeping Windows Updated Matters in 2026

Cybersecurity attacks grow every year. Previous generations are the most vulnerable to ransomware, malware, and exfiltration.

According to Microsoft’s new report on security, most successful malware attack occur on systems with:

• outdated Windows versions,
• unsupported apps,
• or old drivers.

Key Reasons to Update Your PC

Security Protection

Updates patches made to close holes before a hacker spots them.

Better Performance

New updates make the consumption of RAM, the activity of the SSD, and the boot time more efficient.

New Features

Windows 11 updates now include:

• AI-assisted search,
• Copilot improvements,
• battery optimization,
• better gaming performance.

Driver Compatibility

Some new apps and games may not run properly on the older drivers.

Bug Fixes

Updates solve:

• crashes,
• Wi-Fi problems,
• Bluetooth issues,
• freezing,
• audio glitches.

The Updated Situation of Windows 10 and Windows 11 in 2026

Those with Windows 10 still should really upgrade, as Microsoft has moved to Windows 11 development.

On how to find updates software in Windows 11

Updating Windows 11 is easy, just check for updates.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Settings

Press:

Windows + I

This opens Windows Settings.

Step 2: Open Windows Update

From the left sidebar:

• Click Windows Update

Step 3: Select “Check for Updates”

Windows will now:

• search Microsoft servers,
• detect available updates,
• and start downloading automatically.

Step 4: Install Updates

Depending on the update:

• Installation could take a few minutes,
• or require a restart.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

Some software updates will only take effect when rebooting.

Checking for Software Updates in Windows 10

The procedure should be noted that on Windows 10 it is the same.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Go to:
3. Update & Security
4. Click:
5. Windows Update
6. Press:
7. Check for updates

Windows 10 will download:

• cumulative updates,
• security patches,
• optional drivers.

How to Update Windows Apps

The inconvenience is that many users forget that apps also have to be updated.

Outdated apps can:

• crash,
• slow down your PC,
• expose security vulnerabilities.

Update Microsoft Store Apps

Step 1

Open:

Microsoft Store

Step 2

Click your profile icon.

Step 3

Choose:

Downloads and Updates

Step 4

Click:

Get Updates

All Microsoft Store Apps will be installed update automatically.

How to Update Third-Party Software

Programs like:

• Chrome,
• Discord,
• Zoom,
• VLC,
• Steam

usually update automatically.

But you can manually check updates from each app’s:

• Settings,
• About section,
• or Help menu.

Best Windows Software Updater Tools (2026)

If you have lots of apps, a stand alone updater for Windows software will save you time.

Comparison Table

Patch My PC

Pros

• Lightweight
• Very beginner-friendly
• Updates many apps automatically
• Safe reputation

Cons

• Limited advanced features

Best for:

• average users,
• family PCs,
• office systems.

Winget

Winget is a command-line package manager developed by Microsoft.

You can update all installed apps using:

winget upgrade –all

Best For

• Advanced users
• Developers
• IT professionals

Chocolatey

Chocolatey offers enterprise-grade automation.

It is excellent for:

• developers,
• server admins,
• automation workflows.

How to Update Drivers on Windows

Drivers are what Windows use to talk to the hardware.

Outdated drivers can cause:

• crashes,
• black screens,
• poor gaming performance,
• sound issues.

Method 1: Update Drivers Through Windows Update

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates

Windows may show:

• GPU drivers,
• audio drivers,
• Wi-Fi drivers.

Method 2: Device Manager

Steps

1. Right-click Start
2. Open:
3. Device Manager
4. Expand a hardware category
5. Right-click the device
6. Select:
7. Update Driver

Method 3: Manufacturer Websites

For gaming PCs, always prefer official sources:

• NVIDIA
• AMD
• Intel
• ASUS
• MSI
• Lenovo
• HP

These drivers are often newer then Windows Update ones.

How to Enable Automatic Updates

Updates should be automatic for the majority of people.

Enable Automatic Updates

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update

Turn on:

• The most recent information as it becomes available.
• Notification of other Microsoft products

Best Windows Update Settings for Beginners

Recommended Settings

How to Pause Windows Updates

Updates can sometimes disrupt critical areas of work.

Pause Updates

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates

You can pause updates for:

• 1 week,
• 2 weeks,
• or longer.

Don‘t stop too often because there security risks grow rapidly.

Common Windows Update Problems and Fixes

Failure of Windows Update still occurs occasionally even in 2026.

Problem 1: Windows Update Stuck

Fixes

• Restart PC
• Check internet connection
• Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Problem 2: Update Downloading Slowly

Solutions

• Disable VPN
• Use Ethernet
• Pause background downloads
• Clear update cache

Problem 3: Not Enough Disk Space

Windows updates require space on the storage.

Fix

Use:

Disk Cleanup

Delete:

• temporary files,
• old update files,
• recycle bin data.

Problem 4: Windows Update Error Codes

Common errors:

• 0x80070057
• 0x800f081f
• 0x8024402f

Quick Fix Commands

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

sfc /scannow

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Repair. They repair corrupted system files.

Advanced Methods to Check Updates

PowerShell or CMD can be used by experienced users to verify a number of updates have been installed:

Method 1: PowerShell

Open PowerShell and run:

Get-HotFix

This shows the Windows updates that are installed.

Method 2: Command Prompt

Run:

wmic qfe list

This lists installed patches.

Method 3: Winget App Updates

Check outdated apps:

winget upgrade

Update all apps:

winget upgrade –all

Conclusion: It is not completely safe to use a third-party software updater. However, it will be very safe and pain-free to use one if you acquire the software over the internet and be sure that the website is trustworthy.

Yes, if you use reliable software.

Safe Updater Tools

• Patch My PC
• Ninite
• Winget
• Chocolatey

Risks of Unsafe Updaters

Avoid unknown software updater tools because they may:

• bundle malware,
• install adware,
• modify browser settings,
• track user data.

How frequently do I need to check for updates?

Recommended Schedule

Windows Update Best Practices

Do This

• Keep backups
• Use official sources
• Restart after updates
• Enable automatic security updates

Avoid This

• Pirated software
• Random updater tools
• Disabling updates permanently

Upcoming Windows Updates in 2026

Microsoft is moving toward:

• AI-managed updates,
• silent background patching,
• unified app updates,
• predictive restart scheduling.

Windows 11 now integrates:

• security intelligence,
• Microsoft Store updates,
• optional drivers,
• AI optimization.

So this means Windows updates are not only getting better, more aware and not so intrusive, but that they are actually smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Checking updates on Windows How do I examine my software gets in Windows?

Open:

Settings > Windows Update

Then click:

Check for Updates

In addition, Remember to update the Microsoft Store apps individually.

How update application applications in Windows 11?

Open Microsoft Store and select:

Get Updates

Is Windows Update enough?

Not always.

Windows Update handles:

• operating system patches,
• some drivers,
• Microsoft products.

But management apps by third party may still need to be updated.

Is it common for end-of-life applications to impact system performance?

Yes.

Old software can:

• increase CPU usage,
• create compatibility issues,
• reduce security,
• slow boot times.

What’s the support for: Why is the Windows Update not working?

Common causes:

• corrupted files,
• insufficient storage,
• internet issues,
• outdated drivers,
• antivirus conflicts.

Will I choose the automatic updates?

Yes, they are best for most users to have enabled.

Final Thoughts

This full Windows Software Update Guide walked you through how to find out if there were updates to Windows software, update applications, update drivers, troubleshoot problems, and tweak Windows Update in 2026.

Keeping your PC updated is one of the easiest ways to:

• improve performance,
• strengthen security,
• avoid software issues,
• And extend your computer’s life.

Regardless of whether you’re on Windows 10 or Windows 11, upgrade your device frequently to keep it fast, stable, and secure against today’s evolving threats.