Is Your Windows Computer Really Up to Date? Here’s How to Check
When setting up a new Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, it’s important to check Windows Update rather than assuming everything is up to date after the initial setup.
Whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, it is worth checking for updates to make sure your computer has the latest updates available for your device.
Windows updates can improve security, fix problems and help your computer work reliably. In this guide, I’ll show you how to check Windows Update and make sure you haven’t missed any important updates.
Step 1 -> Right click on the Windows symbol at bottom of screen and choose “Settings” > “Windows Updates” or type “Windows Update” or “Windows Update Settings” in the search bar at bottom left
Just because Windows states that “You’re up to date” does not mean that it is so. What that means is the bare minimum of updates are up-to-date but it does not detect missing updates for Office, Vendor updates and driver updates.
Step 2 – Check Windows Update for available updates
Click Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates.
Even if Windows says “You’re up to date”, there may be additional updates worth checking, including optional driver updates and updates for other Microsoft products.
Step 3 – Check Advanced Options
Select Advanced options.
Pay particular attention to these settings:
- Receive updates for other Microsoft products – turn this On. This allows updates for supported Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office, to be delivered through Microsoft Update.
- Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available – turn this On if you want to receive eligible non-security updates, improvements and new features sooner.
- Check the remaining options to make sure they suit your computer and internet connection.
Return to Windows Update and check again.
Step 4 – Check Optional Updates
In Windows Update, open Advanced options and select Optional updates.
If driver updates are listed, review them. These may include drivers supplied by your computer manufacturer or hardware providers such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft and Logitech.
Select the relevant updates and click Download and install.
Driver updates can improve compatibility and fix hardware problems. Some computers also receive firmware updates through Windows Update.
Important: Don’t install every optional update blindly. Check that it applies to your computer. BIOS and firmware updates deserve particular care: only install the correct update for your exact computer model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once updates have finished installing, restart your computer if requested. Check Windows Update again afterwards to see whether any further updates are available.
Microsoft – Update drivers through Windows Update
Step 5 – Check your computer manufacturer’s updates
Windows Update is important, but it may not provide every update available for your particular computer.
Most major computer manufacturers provide their own update utilities. These can help identify recommended BIOS, firmware, driver and software updates specifically for your computer.
Depending on your computer brand, look for:
- HP: HP Support Assistant
- Dell: Dell SupportAssist
- Lenovo: Lenovo Vantage
- Acer: Acer Care Center
Open the relevant application and check for available updates. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing them.
These updates can help improve hardware compatibility, reliability and security.
Important: Take particular care with BIOS and firmware updates. Make sure the update is intended for your exact computer model, keep the computer connected to power and don’t interrupt the installation.
I do not understand why Microsoft does not make the above changes as a default. We highly recommend making these tweaks to ensure you automatically get ALL the updates available ASAP (Windows updates, Microsoft Office updates and Manufacturers/vendors updates of software or device drivers.
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