Windows periodically checks for updates and installs them automatically. You can still use this method to check for updates that have been released since the last update check ran as well as check for any optional new features. [1] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source After Windows installs an automatic update, it may prompt you to reboot your computer. If you see a message asking you to reboot (or schedule a reboot), follow the on-screen instructions to do so.

Leave this window open as the update installs so you’ll know whether you need to restart your computer.

If your PC is able to run Windows 11, it will appear as an optional update as soon as it is available for your PC by early 2022. [2] X Research source

If your PC is able to run Windows 11, it will appear as an optional update as soon as it is available for your PC by early 2022. [2] X Research source

Be sure to save anything you are working on before restarting your computer. To schedule a reboot for later, click Schedule the restart (on the Windows Update window), slide the switch to the On (blue) position, and then select a time you won’t be busy on the computer.

Though Windows installs most updates automatically, you have some control over the way the updates happen. Use this method to fine-tune the updates that occur behind the scenes.

Receive updates for other Microsoft products when updating Windows: Toggle this switch on if you want Windows Update to check for updates for products such as Office, Edge, and Visio. Download updates over metered connections (extra charges may apply). If you pay for internet service based on the amount of data you use, keep this switch in the off (gray) position. This will not update Windows unless you are using a connection with unlimited data. [3] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source When this switch is off, you’ll be notified of new updates but have to agree to download them. Restart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install updates. Toggle this option on to restart Windows immediately when it is required to complete an update. You will not be notified if you want to restart your computer. Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating. Toggle this option on to receive a notification when Windows needs to update to complete an update.

Depending on the types of updates available for your computer, you may have to run the update tool a second time to finish the installation. Keep your eye on the system tray (the area where the clock is) when the computer comes back up—if you see a message that says updates must be installed (or an icon of a yellow or red shield with an ″!″ inside), click it, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Click the Windows Start menu. Click Power. Click Restart.

Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. Click This PC in the panel to the right. Check the bar graph below the hard drive. Hard drives are listed below “Devices and drives”. If the bar is completely blue, you need to free up some space.

Click the Windows Start button. Click Settings . Click Update & Security. Click Troubleshoot in the panel to the left. Click Additional troubleshooters or a recommended troubleshooter. Click Windows Update below “Get up and running”. Click Run Troubleshooter. Follow any instructions you receive and click Next.