How to Make Sure Windows Updates Automatically

Windows security updates protect your computer from viruses and hackers. Here's how to turn on automatic updates so you're always protected without thinking about it.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Check Windows Update status
2.Make sure automatic updates are enabled
3.Set Active Hours so updates don't interrupt you
4.Install any pending updates now
5.Keep your other software updated too

Check Windows Update status

~16s

Click Start, type "Windows Update," and open it. You'll see your current update status. If it says "You're up to date" with a checkmark, you're current. If it shows pending updates, click "Install now." The important thing is that this screen should say updates are on.

Make sure automatic updates are enabled

~27s

In Windows Update settings, click "Advanced options." Make sure "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" is turned on (this includes Office), and that "Download updates over metered connections" is set appropriately. On the main Windows Update page, you should NOT see "Pause updates" highlighted — if updates are paused, click "Resume updates."

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: If you see the option "Notify to schedule restart" for major updates, enable it — your computer will ask before restarting for an update instead of restarting unexpectedly.

Set Active Hours so updates don't interrupt you

~18s

Click "Advanced options" > "Active hours." Set this to the hours you're typically using your computer (like 8am–10pm). Windows will only restart for updates outside these hours — late at night — so your computer won't restart in the middle of a video call or document you're working on.

Install any pending updates now

~17s

On the Windows Update page, click "Check for updates." If updates are available, click "Download & install." Your computer may need to restart. Save any open work first. Updates usually take 5–30 minutes depending on how many there are. This is worth doing immediately if your computer is behind.

Keep your other software updated too

~18s

Windows Update handles Windows and Microsoft apps. Also keep browsers updated (Chrome auto-updates, but check Edge in Settings > About). And regularly open the Microsoft Store and click Library > Get updates to update Microsoft Store apps. Third-party programs like Zoom, Adobe, and your antivirus may have their own update mechanisms.

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Windows releases security updates regularly — patches that fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to break into computers. If your computer isn't set up to install these automatically, you're leaving known security holes open that criminals actively target.

Automatic updates are turned on by default for Windows 10 and 11, but sometimes they get turned off accidentally or through third-party software. This guide shows you how to verify they're on, what to do if they're off, and how to manage update timing so updates don't interrupt you at bad moments.

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