How to Update Windows 11

October 3, 2025

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Keeping your computer updated is one of the most important tasks for ensuring smooth performance, security, and access to the latest features. Windows 11, like previous versions of Windows, regularly receives updates from Microsoft. These updates may include security patches, performance improvements, driver updates, or even new features.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating Windows 11 — from basic updates in Settings to more advanced options like using the Installation Assistant or ISO files. The goal is to give you a complete, step-by-step, beginner-friendly resource in simple language.

Why Updates Matter

Before we start the steps, let’s quickly understand why updates are so important:

Security – Updates protect your computer from new viruses, malware, and hackers.
Performance – Bug fixes and system improvements often make your PC run faster and smoother.
New Features – Major Windows 11 feature updates add new tools, design changes, and improvements.
Compatibility – Updates make sure your PC works with the latest hardware and software.

In short: keeping Windows updated is the easiest way to keep your computer safe and reliable.

Step 1: Prepare Your PC Before Updating

Before starting an update, take a few minutes to get your computer ready:

Back up your important files – Use OneDrive, an external hard drive, or any backup method you prefer.
Plug in your laptop or ensure your desktop won’t lose power – Interruptions can cause problems during updates.
Check storage space – Major updates may need several gigabytes of free space.
Close unnecessary apps – This avoids delays or software conflicts during the update.
Check your internet connection – A stable and unmetered connection is best since updates can be large.

Step 2: Update Through Windows Settings

This is the easiest and most recommended method.

Steps:

Click the Start Menu (Windows icon on the taskbar).
Select Settings (gear-shaped icon).
From the left-hand menu, click Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Windows will now search for available updates.
If updates are found, click Download & Install.
Wait while the updates are downloaded and installed.
Restart your computer when prompted.

After restarting, your PC will be running the latest version offered to your device.

Step 3: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

Sometimes major feature updates (like a yearly Windows 11 version upgrade) are not immediately available through normal updates. In that case, you can use the Installation Assistant provided by Microsoft.

Steps:

Download the Installation Assistant (officially provided by Microsoft).
Run the file and allow it to make changes when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to start the update.
The tool will check your PC for compatibility.
Once confirmed, click Accept and Install.
Wait for the tool to download and install the update.
Restart when required.

This method is useful if you don’t want to wait for the update to appear automatically.

Step 4: Update Using an ISO File or Media Creation Tool

If you want to do a manual update or create a bootable USB drive, you can use the official ISO file or the Media Creation Tool.

Using an ISO File:

Download the Windows 11 ISO.
Right-click the ISO file and choose Mount.
Open the mounted drive and double-click setup.exe.
Choose whether to keep files and apps or do a clean install.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your PC when required.

Using the Media Creation Tool:

Download and run the tool.
Choose whether to Upgrade this PC or Create installation media.
If upgrading, follow the prompts and let it install updates.
If creating media, insert a USB drive and let the tool prepare it.

This method is great for clean installs or updating multiple PCs.

Step 5: Install Optional Updates and Drivers

Windows 11 also provides optional updates, which may include drivers for your hardware.

Steps:

Open Settings → Windows Update.
Click Advanced options.
Select Optional updates.
Expand the Drivers section.
Select the drivers you want to install and click Download & Install.

This is especially useful for updating graphics, audio, or printer drivers.

Step 6: Pause, Schedule, or Control Updates

Windows 11 gives you flexibility in how and when updates install.

Pause updates – You can pause updates for a short time. Go to Settings → Windows Update and choose Pause for 1 week.
Schedule restarts – If an update requires a restart, you can schedule it for later.
Set active hours – Choose hours when you usually use your PC so Windows won’t restart automatically during that time.

These options make updates less disruptive.

Step 7: Fixing Update Problems

Sometimes updates fail or get stuck. Here’s what you can do:

Run the Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run.

Restart your PC – A simple restart often fixes stuck updates.

Free up space – Delete unnecessary files if storage is low.

Clear update cache (advanced)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type: net stop wuauserv net stop bits ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv net start bits
Try updating again.

Run SFC and DISM commands (repairs corrupted files):

In Command Prompt, run: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Use Installation Assistant or ISO – If normal updates fail, these manual tools usually succeed.

Step 8: After Updating

Once the update is done:

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update history to check what was installed.
Open your main apps to confirm they work properly.
Reconnect external devices (printer, scanner) and check if they work.
Run Windows Update again to see if more updates are available.

Step 9: Rolling Back Updates

If a major update causes problems, you can go back to the previous version.

Steps:

Open Settings → System → Recovery.
Under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 11,” click Go back.
Follow the instructions.

Note: This option is available only for about 10 days after a major update.

Step 10: Tips for Smooth Updating

Always keep backups before big updates.
Install updates regularly instead of delaying them for months.
For important drivers (like graphics), consider downloading directly from the manufacturer if you need the latest version.
If your PC is business-critical, read about the update before installing, so you know what’s changing.
Enable automatic updates unless you have a specific reason to pause them.

Final Thoughts

Updating Windows 11 may sound complicated, but in most cases, it’s as easy as opening Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and following the prompts. Microsoft designs updates to install automatically and keep your system secure, but you also have control — you can pause them, schedule restarts, install optional drivers, or even perform manual updates using ISO files.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll always have the latest features, improved performance, and strong security. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced user, these methods give you every option for keeping Windows 11 up to date in the easiest way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How often should I update Windows 11?
Windows 11 is designed to check for updates automatically. Security updates are released every month, while feature updates are released once or twice a year. It’s best to let Windows install updates as they become available to keep your system secure and stable.

Q2. Will updating Windows 11 delete my files?
No, updating Windows 11 through Settings or the Installation Assistant does not delete your personal files. However, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before installing major feature updates, just in case something goes wrong.

Q3. What should I do if an update is stuck or fails?
If an update gets stuck, restart your PC and try again. If it still fails, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the update cache, or use the Installation Assistant/ISO method. Running the sfc /scannow and DISM commands can also repair system files that block updates.

Q4. Can I stop Windows 11 from updating automatically?
You cannot completely disable updates permanently in Windows 11, but you can pause updates for up to 5 weeks through Settings. You can also set active hours and schedule restarts so updates don’t interrupt your work.