To update Windows 10, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select Check for updates. If updates are found, select Download and install or Install now, and restart your PC when asked.
Free security updates for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. To keep getting them, enroll in Extended Security Updates, or move to Windows 11 if your PC supports it.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Check for and install updates
- Select Start > Settings (the gear icon).
- Select Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If updates are listed, select Download and install or Install now.
- When the updates are ready, select Restart now. Save your work first.
Keep getting security updates
Your PC keeps working after October 14, 2025, but without security updates it’s more exposed to new threats. You have two options:
- Extended Security Updates (ESU). Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs can enroll to get security updates through October 12, 2027. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates.
- Windows 11. If your PC meets the requirements, it’s a free upgrade. See how to upgrade Windows 10 to 11.
Get the latest version of Windows 10
Version 22H2 is the final version of Windows 10. To see which one you have, select Start > Settings > System > About and look at Version. If you’re on an older version and Windows Update doesn’t offer 22H2, use the Windows 10 Update Assistant from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page.
If updates won’t install
- Restart your PC and select Check for updates again.
- Make sure you have enough free space. See how to free up space on Windows 10.
- Run the troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
- If system files are damaged, run DISM and SFC. See how to repair Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make Windows 10 install updates automatically?
It does by default. To keep restarts out of your working hours, go to Windows Update > Change active hours.
Can I pause updates?
Yes. Select Pause updates for 7 days on the Windows Update page. For longer pauses, go to Advanced options.
Where can I see which updates were installed?
Select View update history on the Windows Update page.
If you see Update and shut down, Windows installs updates as it turns off. See how to shut down Windows 10.
To quiet app alerts while you work, see how to turn off notifications in Windows 10.
WSL needs Windows 10 version 2004 or later. See how to install WSL on Windows 10.
If you need to halt an update that is downloading, see how to stop an update in progress on Windows 10.
If an update causes problems, see how to roll back a Windows 10 update.
To see which version you have now, see how to check your Windows 10 version.
If apps still won’t open after updating, see how to fix apps not opening in Windows 10.
Office apps update separately. See how to update Excel in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Install Windows Updates. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.