By default, Windows Update runs all the time, so unless you manually disable it, you will always receive system updates or notifications to download and install them. The system is updated automatically with standard settings, but there are times when you need to start this process yourself. You can do this in many ways, both with and without an Internet connection.
Is it worth updating the system
System updates are needed so that Windows 10 does not lose its relevance and does not conflict with programs installed by the user. Each system update fixes any bugs found before, or optimizes the OS so that it can support more and more third-party applications.
Installing new additions to the initial version of Windows 10 is worth it, but keep in mind that there are cases when the new version fixes the errors made earlier, but at the same time causes others. Each update provided to users is tested by Microsoft, but it is not always possible to foresee all possible consequences even big company. Of course, when Microsoft developers notice that they have released an update that is not entirely correct, they roll it back or replace it with another more refined one.
In order not to get into the raw version of the update, it is recommended to install it not on the day of release, but about two weeks later. So the likelihood that it will cause any new problems will decrease dramatically.
Updates that should not be installed
By unique code update you can find out its purpose and release date. If you switched to selective installation of updates, you can decide for yourself which ones will be downloaded. From the experience of installers, the following versions should be skipped, as they cause some problems:
- windows update KB971033 - kills the activation of unlicensed Windows by changing the activation mechanism;
- KB2982791, KB2970228, KB2975719 and KB2975331 - crash, blue screen, Stop 0x50 in Win32k.sys;
- security update KB2993651 - BSOD, disabled or invalid Windows operation Update, some application windows may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
- security updates KB2965768, KB2970228, KB2973201 and KB2975719 - windows of some applications may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
- Windows update KB2859537, KB2872339, KB2882822 - programs from exe do not start, error 0xc0000005, only on unlicensed Windows, because core files are replaced;
- security update KB2862330 - BSOD, even on MSDN images;
- Security Update KB2864058 - Problems launching applications that use Visual C++ libraries.
Some more updates, sorted by month:
- April, 2015 - KB3045999;
- May, 2015 - KB3022345;
- June, 2015 - KB3068708 - blue screen, permanent reboot;
- August, 2015 - KB3060716 and KB3071756 - BSOD with error 0x0000007b;
- September, 2015 - KB3080149 - BSOD;
- October, 2015 - KB3088195 - BSOD code 0x80070490;
- November, 2015 - KB3101746;
- December, 2015 - KB3108381 - some applications crash;
- January, 2016 - KB3121212 - there may be problems who has the system activated via KMS server;
- Feb, 2016 - KB3126587 and KB3126593 - Windows won't start;
- March, 2016 - KB3140410 - BSOD;
- May, 2016 - KB3153171 - BSOD with 145 error.
How long do they take to install and how much do updates cost?
The time it takes to install an update will depend on its size, workload, and computer performance. Some updates are installed in background and do not require any additional steps, others will require a computer restart to fully install.
If the update is large and the computer is not particularly powerful, then the installation process may take several hours. But usually the procedure takes no more than fifteen minutes. The main thing is not to interrupt the process manually until it becomes clear that it is hung. If you suspect that the procedure has stopped, then give the computer some time to recover, it may not signal progress to the screen, but do everything in the background. If you interrupt the installation, the computer will try to roll back, pretending that it did not try to install any update, but it is not a fact that it will be able to do it. In the worst case, you will have to restore the system manually or reinstall it.
The size of the update also cannot be specified exactly, since it varies from 10 MB to 3-4 GB. Updates of several gigabytes are anniversary and bring serious changes, although not always noticeable to the average user. They rarely appear, more often packages of 5-100 MB are installed. An example of a major update is version 1607, you can read about the changes that it brought to Windows 10 on the official Microsoft website.
User data is not lost or corrupted when updates are installed. Update the system and at the same time delete data from hard drive You can use an application from Microsoft, which provides an additional feature that allows you to clean up your hard drive.
How to update Windows 10
There are several ways to start the update process manually. Each of them, except for the one described at the very end, will need a stable Internet connection, since all updates will be downloaded from Microsoft servers and other computers. If using one of the suggested methods, you get an error that says that the installation is not possible, try to reproduce the process using any of the other options below.
Through computer settings
To update the system through Windows Update, do the following:
- Open your computer settings. Open your computer settings
- Expand the Update & Security tab.
Go to the Update & Security section - Start the scan process for available updates.
Click on the "Check for Updates" button - Confirm the start of the download if you agree to install the list of found updates.
Confirm the start of installing the list of updates found by the "Update Center" - Wait until required files download and install.
Wait for the updates to download and install - Restart your computer. You can do it right away or set a restart time.
Run restart your computer - If the reboot is started, then when you turn off and on the computer, you will see a blue screen, which will display a process completion indicator in percent.
Wait for the updates to be installed by turning the computer on and off
Video: how to check for updates on Windows 10
Through "Command line"
To force a system update, you need to execute two commands in succession in the "Command Prompt", run as administrator:
After completing both steps, restart your computer to complete the update process permanently.
Via Media Creation Tool
The program that is used for Windows installation 10 or upgrade from previous versions operating system is also suitable for upgrading to latest version already installed Windows 10:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the company's official website.
Download Media Creation Tool - Run it and take it license agreement.
Accept the Media Creation Tool license agreement - At the step with selecting an action, indicate that you want to update this computer.
Indicate that we want to update this computer - After scanning the system, examine the list of updates that are not present in it. By default, all files stored on the hard drive will be saved. But you can change that by clicking on the "Change Saved Components" button and setting your options.
Start installation or choose what data to keep - Wait for the download and installation to finish. The computer will restart at the end of the process.
Wait while Media Creation Tool downloads and installs updates
Through the Windows 10Upgrade program
On the same page where you can download the program for installing and upgrading to Windows 10, there is an "Upgrade Now" button, which only appears if you are logged into the browser with the OS already installed.
Custom installation
If you need to prevent certain versions of updates from being installed, use official program wushowhide.diagcab.
Video: How to selectively install updates
Installation without Internet access
If the computer that needs to be updated does not have Internet access, then you can download the updates from another computer, transfer them to the desired one, and install them manually. You can download updates using the Portable Update program:
Installing CAB and MSU Format Updates
If you download the update you need in CAB or MSU format, you can install it by running one of the commands in the "Command Prompt" launched with administrator rights:
The path to the file in both cases must be separated by quotes.
Switching to Game Mode in Windows 10
The game mode appeared in the system with the release of the Creators Update. You can upgrade to it using any of the above methods. Game mode will allow you to achieve maximum performance by optimizing the processes running on your computer. After you upgrade to the Creators Update, activate it as follows:
Video: How to enable Game Mode in Windows 10
How to update the system edition
There are several system packages, each of which is designed for a specific range of users. Windows can be "Home", "Professional" or "Corporate". If you first installed the "Home" version, and then decided that it was time to switch to the "Professional", then it is not necessary to reinstall the system, just follow these steps:
Video: How to upgrade Windows 10 edition
Stop system update
By default, the system updates automatically. You can stop the update by doing the following:
There are other ways to disable automatic installation updates, but they are more time consuming. If you want to install some updates and disable others, then use the "Custom installation" instructions above in the same article.
Possible problems after installing updates
After installing updates and new build versions, you may experience problems with system activation or with applications, processes, games, or devices not working properly.
Build Rollback
If, after updating the assembly, activation has failed, then it must be repeated. If there are other kinds of problems, you need to perform a system rollback:
Removing updates
If the problems arose not due to the installation of a new assembly, but due to a specific update, then this update must be uninstalled:
Video: How to uninstall Windows 10 updates
System updates can both help the system and harm it, so it is worth monitoring incoming packets manually. You should not completely abandon new versions, but it is not recommended to install them all immediately, as soon as they are released.
Microsoft stopped releasing updates for the system Windows Security 7 and stopped technical support this version of the system. To ensure your PC continues to be serviced and protected with monthly security updates, you have the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
For Windows users 7 and 8.1, the scheduled one-year free upgrade period has officially ended.
Immediately after this date, Microsoft launched a site for users with disabilities using assistive technologies for Windows. However, it also stopped working on January 16, 2018. However, with the help of the utility, which is still available for download from official servers, anyone can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free, but only to OS Windows 10 (version 1709).
However, on this moment you can immediately upgrade to the latest current version(version 1909) with . In this case new system Windows will be automatically activated with a digital license.
Free upgrade to Windows 10
To take advantage of the free upgrade offer, you must complete the following steps:
2. Download the new version of the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, with which you can upgrade your Windows 7 SP1 or 8.1 operating system to Windows 10 for free.
3. Run the utility and accept the license agreement.
5. Wait while the utility downloads all the necessary files, checks your computer for compatibility, and downloads all the necessary updates. This may take some time depending on the speed of your internet connection.
7. The update may take from one to several hours, depending on the configuration of your computer.
After the update is completed, the OS will be installed Windows 10 (version 1909).
Advice. To quickly find out the Windows 10 version number, type winver in the search box, press Enter, and you will see a dialog box with information about the current OS version.
8. Connect to the Internet and check the system activation. Press combination Windows keys+ I to open the application Options, and go to Update & Security > Activation.
Microsoft has released another major, that is, this time a small update for the Windows 10 operating system. I think it's no secret to anyone that Microsoft, with the release of Windows 10, switched to a service distribution model of the OS and now licensed Windows 10 twice a year users receive a major system update. Both users and enterprises are not very happy with this distribution model, since not everyone likes to constantly update the system, especially since with each new release there are various problems. Microsoft, in turn, insists on its own, although the company has made its concessions. Firstly, now the large-scale update is being tested for about 2 months, at least it was with the May update. Secondly, now the company does not impose its new update.
You can now stay on the old update and still receive cumulative updates for it. From now on, a major update is highlighted separately in Windows Update and, if you wish, you can download it at a convenient time for you. The only exceptions are those devices that have an outdated Windows version 10. Thirdly, Microsoft only pushes the update automatically to those users whose hardware is compatible with the new update and who had no issues when testing insider branches. As new cumulative updates are released, these issues are fixed and the new update becomes available to more users. Thanks to this, the May 2019 Update went pretty smoothly and with almost no incidents, especially if you compare it with version 1809, where big problems were noticed, up to file deletion.
In the case of autumn Microsoft update continues this policy of smooth renewal and as a result, the autumn update is small. Initially, there was information that Microsoft is refusing 2 major updates 2 times a year and from now on there will be one major update and one Service Pack. But Microsoft denied all these rumors, and the company will continue the "Windows as a Service" policy, it's just that this year there was such a hitch and the update came out small, and not fully tested. Microsoft features apparently decided not to release, so the update turned out to be small. But, nevertheless, the update contains features that slightly increase the functionality of the system, while the company has also worked on the performance and autonomy of the system, which we will discuss in more detail below. It should probably be noted right away that this conditional Service Pack is intended exclusively for version 1903, which will update your OS version to version 1909. If you have an old OS update, for example 1809, then you will download build 19H1 along with integrated 19H2 updates, and this would already be considered a major update. Autumn updates have a longer OS support period for corporate users and educational institutions, which is a huge plus, since the update will be small, improve system stability, there will be no special problems with it, and it will be supported for a very long time, to be exact 2.5 years. If you want to have support for more than 30 months, then I can advise you to use the LTSC version of Windows 10, where extended support is provided for 10 years.
This is all good, of course, but you would like to know exactly in more detail about the new goodies of the September 19H2 update, well, let's see.
Windows containers now require the same version of the host and container, which reduces the ability of clients and prevents them from supporting different container scripts.
A fix has been implemented that allows OEMs to reduce handwriting latency based on the hardware itself, in addition to using default settings hardware configuration.
New Key-Roling and Key-Rotation features allow you to safely open a protected bitlocker drive using the recovery password.
Third party digital assistants like Alice can now also work on your PC's Lock Screen.
In 19H2, the calendar on the Taskbar was updated. Now you can add a reminder to yourself from the Taskbar using the drop-down calendar and entering information in the appropriate field. In addition to the date and time, you can also specify the location.
The Start menu has been updated slightly. No, the tiles have not been removed there ... yet, but a drop-down navigation bar has been added, which now automatically expands when you hover your mouse cursor over the ribbon with folders, account and settings.
The following changes have been noticed in the notification settings section. Now, when notifications are enabled, users will also be shown GIF animations that will preview what these notifications will actually look like. In the Notifications & Activities tab, you can now sort apps by information about which ones have most recently sent you notifications, allowing you to quickly find apps that send notifications frequently and quickly turn them off. There's also an option to immediately mute the toast notification as soon as it appears on your screen. And at the top of the Notification Center, an option has been added to open the Notifications and actions section in Settings.
New debugging capabilities for Intel processors have been added for OEMs.
In the 19H2 update, energy efficiency has been greatly reworked, which allows some processors to use their resources efficiently, while increasing the time battery life.
Microsoft has added a logical processor rotation policy to the highest planning level. To ensure both better performance and stability, the system will now select certain cores to provide the best performance, while balancing the load on those cores. In general, Microsoft has worked very hard on performance and battery life in this update, so it is highly recommended to install Windows 10 19H2 for installation.
Integrated Windows Defender Credential Guard for ARM64-based devices, which prevents theft of corporate accounts of customers using ARM-based devices.
For corporate users, an option has been added to Group Policy to enable the launch of Win32 applications in S mode from Microsoft Intune.
Search has been updated in File Explorer, which now looks for files on the PC not only locally, but also in network places like OneDrive.
Narrator was able to read the location of the FN keys, as well as its state - locked or unlocked.
Also, Microsoft again slightly changed the update delivery policy in Windows 10. Microsoft makes some changes here with each update based on information from machine learning and artificial intelligence. Updates are now delivered fairly quickly and installed immediately when available. The rest is set only after rebooting the PC.
In addition to minor changes under the hood of the system, applications for Windows 10 have also been updated. For example, the Your phone application now allows you to reply to messages from Windows notifications 10, while there is support for two SIM cards and a battery indicator. Also, users in the future will be given the opportunity to even receive calls on the computer. Some of the features described are available to both insiders and ordinary users, in general, who are lucky. You can also note the Xbox Game Bar, aka the Game Bar, where quite recently it became possible to show the workload of the CPU, GPU and RAM, and recently it even became possible to display the FPS counter and integrate achievements with Xbox Live. Again, this feature may not be available to everyone.
Other applications have also received minor improvements related to performance, autonomy, support for multi-windows has become available somewhere, as in the case of the Sketch on screen snip application, and minor bugs have been fixed.
Another noteworthy browser is Edge, which is already being tested in the Beta channel. In theory, a stable RTM version should also be available soon, since stable versions has already leaked to the network more than once, and perhaps it has already gone out when you watch this video. The browser already works quite well, there is support for dark mode, mode Internet Explorer, as well as the browser has acquired support for the Russian language. Initially by the way functionality Sets, which provided tabs in Explorer, were tied to the Edge browser, but now they will probably refuse this, as the browser has switched to a different engine, and the old developments have sunk into oblivion.
In general, this is small review turned out on Windows 10 version 1909. By the way, you can download Windows 10 or upgrade using the links in the description. Microsoft initially said that the update would be small, which is indeed true. The next update of Windows 10 will be quite large and there will already be where to turn around. Judging by the rumors of the development of 21H1, and such an update is already being developed, which will be released in a year, it seems that next year the autumn update will also be small. Who knows, maybe Microsoft will really go away from major updates 2 times a year, although the company was initially categorically against this and in every possible way denied rumors about 1 major and one minor update per year. If it continues like this, then we will have 2 castes of users, one will be updated with a major update, the other will wait Service Pack, while others will bet all at once.
Since the operating Windows system a huge number of people use it, Microsoft cannot immediately release a perfectly debugged product, since it is impossible to take into account the wishes and characteristics of all users, while keeping up with progress. That is why Windows 10, released several years ago, still needs updates.
Why update the system
Developers release new versions of the system with the following goals:
- fix bugs in previous versions;
- improve security by patching found security holes in the system;
- add new features or upgrade existing services.
Computer configurations and programs used by users are so different that it is almost impossible to take into account all the potential ways to use the system's capabilities. Of course, Microsft first tests all innovations on its employees, then on those who use the Windows Insider edition (special free version system, which anyone can get), and only then gives the new version to a wide range of users. But even this is not enough to provide one hundred percent salvation from errors.
The system needs to be updated to improve security, improve performance and stability, try out new inventions, and get access to all the features of modern Windows. At the same time, some versions teach the system to interact not only with programs, but also with third-party physical devices.
Also, along with system updates are updated system applications. For example, instead of the usual photo editor Paint, users who have updated to the Creators Update have access to the new Paint 3D, which allows them to edit pictures on more high level and even create 3D models.
Paint has been replaced by Paint 3D
Ways to get an update
Since the installation of updates is an important part of the development of the system, the system developers have provided several ways to update. It doesn't matter which one you use, you'll still end up with the latest version of Windows currently available.
Remember that you should always check for updates. There is no clear schedule for their release, but they appear a couple of times a month.
Auto update
By Windows default 10 searches for, downloads and installs updates on its own. That is, as soon as she knows that it is time for her to upgrade, the download begins necessary files and their preinstallation. The final installation only happens after you restart your computer, so you may sometimes see a message asking you if you can restart the system now or if you should do it some other time.
The system prompts you to restart your computer now or postpone the installation Usually the system itself copes with the search for updates, installs them on time. But sometimes a failure can occur, due to which she will stop doing this. It is for this case that there are manual methods described below. Using them, you can force the system to check for updates when you need it.
Through computer settings
Through the command line
Via Windows Upgrade
If the above built-in methods do not suit you for some reason, you can resort to the help of third-party programs. For example, Microsoft has released a special utility Windows Upgrade, which can be downloaded on the official website, on the page Windows boot 10 (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10).
Video: Windows 10 update
Via MCT
Another program from Microsoft, which can be downloaded from the same page, is the Media Creation Tool. It was originally invented to upgrade Windows 7 or 8 to 10, or burn a Windows 10 ISO file to a USB flash drive or disk to install it on another computer. But the program has separate function- updating the system, you can use it for your purposes.
After launching the application, indicate that you want to update Windows on this computer. The process will then proceed to automatic mode, you just have to wait for the result.
We indicate that we want to update this computer, and start the process Via ISO
This method is interesting in that it allows you to update the system without the Internet. More precisely, you will have to perform the steps below on a computer with Internet access, and then transfer the received files to the computer that needs to be updated. But the updated computer itself does not need to be connected to the network.
The above program can not only directly update the system, but also burn an ISO image to third-party media. After burning the image, you can run it - the installation of Windows 10 will begin. But during the installation of Windows 10, you can also find the update function.
Via CAB or MSU files
This method is also suitable for those who want to update the system on a computer that does not have Internet access.
CAB and MSU are the formats in which Windows update files are written. By going to the official Microsoft website, you can find these files and download them to a USB flash drive, after which they can be opened and installed on any computer.
There are two ways to install updates through downloaded files: the first is to open the file by double-clicking the left mouse button and confirm the installation (that is, the CAB or MSU format works in much the same way as exe installers), the second is to open a command prompt as administrator and run the query "dism /online /add-package /packagepath: file_location" (for CAB files) or "wusa.exe file_location" (for MSU files).
Execute the command dism /online /add-package /packagepath: file_location Possible problems
After the system receives some updates, changes are made to its files. This can lead to both positive results (which happens in most cases) and negative results, for example, errors may occur in the operation of the system or programs. If you encounter unpleasant consequences, then there are two ways out: wait for the next update, which will most likely fix the errors that have appeared, or roll back the system by canceling the installation latest updates. To use the second way, follow these steps:
Done, the update causing the error has been erased - the problem should be gone. Be sure to turn off auto-update so that the system does not automatically download this problematic update again. You can turn on auto-update only when Microsoft releases new updates that will most likely fix the bugs that bother you.
If you have the opportunity to update the system, do so, as by doing so you will improve it. Remember to check for updates manually every few weeks. For manual updates, you can use the update center, command line, third party programs, ISO images and CAB, MSU files.
There is no easier task than updating Windows 10. Unless, of course, the administrator has prohibited this operation through group policies. However, then the answer must be asked from him. The final release is installed automatically. Yes, to be honest, there are not so many versions today. For half a year now (since the end of July 2016) it has not been possible to update and build 1607 is considered the most recent. There are rumors on the net that the eleventh version will not be soon. So we will be installing the latest versions of dozens for a long time. However, we hardly believe that there are people in the world who are not at all aware of how to update Windows 10.
You only need access to the network. Except for wireless communication there may be a limit. In all other cases, updating Windows 10 to the latest version occurs automatically. How to detect the presence of a fresh package? A new version nothing special stands out. But next to the update there will be an explanatory inscription about what it is. The final release is also unmarked in any way. There just isn't anything fresher.
Verification through the Microsoft website
This is the best way to install a new build if it has already been released. The quickest way to check for a new edition is directly on the Microsoft website.
Through settings
Many have noticed the absence of the old update center. It is no longer available in the interface as such. Here is the new instruction:
In this case, the system puts an ordinary update of the defender. This is not a new build. Otherwise, the explanation would have spoken about it directly. So far no updates are required.
From command line
According to user feedback, updated from command line not worth it. The operation is not always successful. Therefore, we will not consider this process.
Restart Options
Sometimes, after installing updates, you need to restart your PC. In this case, a warning message will appear. Postponing the installation, you can follow the link Restart options (see the previous screen) to install:
- date.
- Time.
The PC will start updating according to the schedule.
Media Creation Tool
Microsoft has another update utility in store for us. So, if you don't like the previous one, you are welcome! The address is the same, but the link is just below (microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10).
We go through the welcome screens, accept the license agreement. When offered, we agree to upgrade this PC immediately.
The tool will think for a long time.
Attention! Updating with the Media Creation Tool takes significantly longer than with a special utility.
The system image will be loaded, which occupies traffic and PC resources, then some other task will be performed. But this is a good way to update the image itself. Which can get buggy over time (and then restore it via dism and check system files sfc /scannow command). But that's a completely different story.
Through the image
The dozen image can be obtained in dozens of ways, but the easiest way is to save it to disk using the Media Creation Tool.
Note that this method is also not very fast, and therefore is described among the latter. Although our PC is already updated, the utility did not even bother to compare the versions. Coming up with an efficient installation flow is not like naming users in the plural. Here, ingenuity is already needed, and not just the ability to communicate rudely. However, to each his own.
How to update?
From the above information, it should be clear that the most in better ways upgrade are:
- Regular, via Win + I.
- Windows10Upgrade utility (microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10), available from the Upgrade Now link.
Use both, and remember about the rest only in case of problems. Here is another confirmation of our words: the installer with ISO image going to update us. Even for the sake of readers, we will not go to such ordeals (everything is already worth it).
You can update the system with Microsoft programs. To do this, simply go to Advanced Update Center Options and check the appropriate box.
