Windows 10 gives you the ability to choose when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device trouble-free and protected. This article will help you answer questions and solve common problems with upgrading to Windows 10.
If you're looking for information on how to activate Windows 10 or verify that the Windows 10 installation is activated, see Activation in Windows 10 .
Having trouble installing Windows updates? Start here.
There are a few reasons why your device may not be able to update to the latest version of Windows 10. The following suggestions can help you identify the problem that is affecting your device.
Before you start, make sure the device is plugged into a power source and connected to the Internet. Then try the steps below to prepare your PC to upgrade.
Some updates require administrator access. If your account doesn't have administrator access, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10 . Or, if someone else, at home or in the office, has an administrator account on the device, try asking them to install the updates.
Important
Before trying any of the following solutions, be sure to back up your personal files. You can use File History to back up to another drive, or you can insert a USB drive and use File Explorer to drag and copy important files onto the USB drive. If you are logging into Windows with a Microsoft account, the system settings will be restored automatically after updating, once you are connected to the Internet.
You can also back up your files with OneDrive. For more information, go to Back up your Documents, Pictures and Desktop folders with OneDrive .
Free up some disk space to run updates
Make sure the device has enough space. The device needs at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade to a 32-bit operating system, or 20 GB for a 64-bit operating system. If the device has a small hard drive, you may need to insert a USB drive to upgrade.
If your PC is running out of storage, try the techniques in Free up disk space in Windows 10 .
Reboot to apply installed updates
Many updates require a reboot of the device. Save your work and close all open applications. Then select Start > Start / Shutdown and choose Update & restart or Update & shutdown .
Re-run Windows Update
Even if you have downloaded some updates, there may be more available. After trying the steps above, run Windows Update again by selecting Start > Configuration > Update and security > Windows Update > Check for updates . Download and install all new updates.
Check for updates in Settings
Disconnect external hardware
Remove all external drives and storage devices, cradles, and any other hardware attached to the device that is not needed for basic functionality. Then run the updates again and see if this has fixed the problem. If not, continue with the next suggestion.
Update third-party drivers
If you've added hardware to the device, look for third-party driver updates and installation instructions on the manufacturer's website. Update the drivers, then try to run the updates again and see if this has fixed the problem. If not, continue with the next suggestion.
Check for errors in Device Manager
- In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager and then select Device Manager from the list of results.
- In the window that appears, look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. (You may have to select each category to see the list of devices.) Select the device name.
- Select Action and then choose Update Driver or Uninstall to correct the errors.
Common troubleshooting questions
I received an error code during the update.
If you receive an error message with a specific error code, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter . If this doesn't resolve the issue, see Fix Windows Update Errors and follow the instructions to help you resolve common update issues.
My update reached 51-99% and the installation was not completed. What is the problem?
The time required to download and install updates depends on the connection speed, network configuration, and the size of the update. If the installation remains blocked at the same percentage, try checking for updates again or run the Windows Update Troubleshooter .
To check for updates, select Start > Configuration > Update and security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
To get help, in the search box on the taskbar, type Get help and then select Get help from the list of results. To leave comments if you run into more problems, in the search box on the taskbar, type Opinion Center and then select Opinion Center from the list of results.
How can I stop my computer from updating?
Windows 10 is the most secure Windows of all time and we recommend that you keep yourself updated to protect your PC from security risks and keep it working properly. However, you can temporarily pause updates and schedule a reboot to install them at a time that's convenient for you . Learn how to temporarily pause updates . Find out how to schedule a reboot to install updates at a convenient time .
How can I disable update notifications?
You will only receive a notification when it is time to restart your computer to apply the installed updates.
Suggestion
If you need to know where you left off after an update, use the Timeline to jump back.
To get started with Timeline, select Task View on the taskbar, or press the Windows logo key+ tab and select the activity you want to resume.
Do updates affect my data usage?
Windows 10 monthly quality updates are very small and have minimal impact on data usage. Feature updates usually take place twice a year, and you can control when to install them. They require more data, but are less frequent.
If you are on a metered use connection, some Windows updates will not install automatically. Learn more in Metered Use Connections in Windows 10 .
How can I correct the slowness of a computer?
The computer may run slowly for a number of reasons, but its performance may improve by upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10. For help with slow computers, see Tips for improving PC performance in Windows 10 .
The update is finished, but now I can't find my files.
If you're having trouble finding files after an upgrade, see Find lost files after upgrade to Windows 10 for other things to try.
Advanced
Warning
Microsoft only recommends trying the procedures described in this section if you are comfortable working with the command line. These procedures require administrator permissions on the device.
Rename software distribution folders
- In Start, Start, search for cmd .
- Select Command Prompt ( with the Run as administrator option ) in the results.
- At the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one. After each one, select Enter . Let the command complete before writing the next one.
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren% systemroot% \ softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren% systemroot% \ system32 \ catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv
- After all these commands are completed, close the command prompt window and restart your computer.
Temporarily remove third-party security software
Occasionally, third-party antivirus or security software may cause errors when trying to update to the latest version of Windows 10. You can temporarily uninstall this software, update your PC, and then reinstall the software after the device has been have updated. We recommend using third-party security or antivirus software that is compatible with the latest version of Windows 10. You can check compatibility by visiting the software manufacturer's website.
Note
Before uninstalling software, make sure you know how to reinstall the programs and that you have all the necessary product keys.
Repair hard drive errors
In the search box on the taskbar, type command line, and then select Command line from the list of results. In the window that appears, type chkdsk / f C: and select the Enter key. Repairs automatically start on the hard drive, and you will be prompted to restart the device.
Perform a clean boot in Windows
A clean boot causes Windows to boot with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps to eliminate software conflicts that occur when installing a program or an update that can cause problems when updating the PC. Learn how to perform a clean restart .
Restore and repair system files
In the search box on the taskbar, type command line, and then select Command line from the list of results. In the window that appears, type DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / Restorehealth and select the Enter key. Learn more about how to repair a Windows image .
Perform a clean installation of Windows 10
Go to the software download page and select Download tool now to download the clean installation tool. Be sure to read the notes on the software download page carefully before using the tool.
