Guide How to Set Up Windows 10 for Automatic Updates

The Definitive Guide to Automatic Updates in Windows 10

From the era of Windows XP to the modern day, keeping your Windows PC updated has been crucial. Updates patch security vulnerabilities, provide new features, and improve overall system stability. But with Windows 10, Microsoft revamped the entire update process. Gone are the days of manually checking for updates or scheduling updates to install overnight. Now, updates happen automatically in the background. This hands-off approach helps ensure users always have the latest and greatest Windows version.

But automatic updates in Windows 10 also led to some controversies. Updates installing without warning interrupted workflows. Buggy patches caused BSODs (blue screens of death) and other issues. Microsoft listened to feedback and refined the update process over time. Users now have more controls while still benefitting from a secure, up-to-date OS.

How do I know if my Windows 10 is up to date?

Launch the Start menu. Press the Windows icon that is present at the lower-left corner of your screen. Type check for updates and hit ↵ Enter. Click or tap Check for updates to begin. If there is an update available, it will start installing. If there are no updates, it will say that your PC is up to date.

When does Windows 10 version 22h2 come out?

Windows 10 version 22H2 is now available via Windows Update and started rolling out to users in October 2022. Just like the last handful of Windows 10 feature updates, version 22H2 is shipping as a servicing style release, meaning it doesn’t require a full OS download and is overall much less risky to install.

In this definitive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about automatic updates in Windows 10:

Default Update Settings

Out of the box, Windows 10 is configured for automatic updates. This means as soon as patches are tested and deemed ready for public release, your PC will download and install them automatically.

You don’t have to lift a finger for this process to happen. Windows will handle scheduling, downloading, and installing updates for you. This ensures you always have the latest security patches and improvements without any effort on your part.

The only indication an update occurred might be a message upon rebooting that “Updates were installed.” Otherwise, updates happen seamlessly in the background.

Changing Active Hours

To avoid updates happening at inconvenient times like when you’re gaming or in a video call, Windows allows configuring "Active Hours."

Active Hours are a daily time range like 8am to 5pm. Windows won’t reboot your PC for updates during these hours. That prevents any disruption to your daily workflow.

Outside active hours, Windows may reboot when it’s convenient to finish installing updates. Here’s how to set your Active Hours:

How do I know if I have a new version of Windows 10?

To check if you have the latest version of Windows 10 on a PC, you can always just download and run this Microsoft tool. If a new version is available, the tool will offer to install it. If you have the latest version installed, the tool will tell you. By running the Upgrade Assistant, you’re forcing Windows 10 to upgrade itself.

What is Windows 10 Update Assistant?

The Windows 10 Update Assistant downloads and installs feature updates on your device. Feature updates like Windows 10, version 1909 (a.k.a. the Windows 10 November 2019 Update) offer new functionality and help keep your systems secure. You’ll get these updates automatically after you download the Update Assistant.

1. Open Settings > Update & Security
2. Click on "Change active hours"
3. Set your desired active hour range
4. Click "Save"

Now, Windows will avoid updates during your specified busy hours.

Pausing Updates

If you need to temporarily pause updates, like when testing app compatibility before a big Windows release, that’s easy to do as well. Here are the steps:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security
2. Click "Pause updates for 7 days"

This pauses all updates for a week. Extensions can be granted up to 35 days total pause time.

When ready to resume updates, just return to Update settings and click "Resume updates."

Advanced Options

For those wanting maximum control, Windows 10 includes advanced update options accessible via Settings > Update & Security > Advanced options.

Here you can:

• Pause updates for specific feature releases (like pausing the 22H2 update until ready)
• Toggle driver updates on/off
• Adjust update deferral periods
• Recheck known update issues
• And much more

These advanced controls appeal to power users and IT admins who want granularity over Windows Update.

How to install Windows 10 security update on Windows 10?

After you have downloaded the MSU file with the latest security update for your Windows 10 version, you can install it. To do it, double-click the MSU file and follow the prompts of the Windows Update Standalone Installer.

How do I update Windows XP 2004?

The new version 2004 is up and ready to download. Theres two methods to install it. Setting > Update & Security > Windows Update (selected by default) > Check For Updates (all in lower caps) P.S if you not able to find any updates It maybe your windows version (1909) is conlficting with your updates. If this happens follow method two:

Third-Party Utilities

Beyond the built-in controls, several excellent third-party utilities exist to manage updates:

• O&O ShutUp10– Disables specific Windows 10 features, including various telemetry options.

• WUReset– Resets Windows Update components to default settings. Great for troubleshooting update issues.

• TronScript– An automated scanner and cleaner for Windows systems. Can reset stuck Windows Updates.

These free tools complement the native update controls nicely.

The Future of Updates

Recent moves by Microsoft indicate Windows updates becoming even more seamless. Concepts like "Windows autopilot" aim to eliminate all visible update activity.

The OS may reach a point where patches simply manifest in the background without interruptions or reboots. The tech is nearly there.

What is Windows 10 2004 update?

Windows 10 2004 Update is also called Windows 10 May 2020 Update. It is a major feature update that Microsoft releases every 6 months. The last major update (1909), was released in November 2019. Use the steps below to install Windows 10 2004 update manually now:

How do I check if Windows 10 is up to date?

Once you’re on the Updates and Security Menu at the very top will be all the information you need. Windows will tell you if you’re up to date without you needing to do anything, but if you want to double-check just hit the ‘Check for updates’ button. 4. Download and restart If updates are available, your system will download them now.

How do I install Windows 10 2004?

Windows 10 2004. Hey all! The new version 2004 is up and ready to download. Theres two methods to install it. Setting > Update & Security > Windows Update (selected by default) > Check For Updates (all in lower caps) P.S if you not able to find any updates It maybe your windows version (1909) is conlficting with your updates.

How do I update Windows 10 to 20h2?

As part of the broad deployment phase, Microsoft is offering this update to an expanded set of eligible devices running Windows 10, version 20H2 and later versions. If you have an eligible device, you can install this feature update by opening Windows Update Settings and selecting Check for updates.

For many, updates fading into the background will be a welcome change. No more worrying about the next Patch Tuesday or big bi-annual Windows release. The OS will continuously improve itself automatically.

What are your thoughts on this possible future? Let us know in the comments below!

References

1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/how-to-change-your-automatic-updates-settings-by-using-windows-security-center-804009cd-7931-fc07-5ada-6b157a854201
2. https://carbidesecure.com/resources/how-to-enable-auto-updates-in-windows-10/

How do I upgrade Windows 10 home to Windows 10 Pro?

If you’re running Windows 10 Home, select Get Windows 10 Pro to upgrade your device. Need more help? Want more options? Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more. Learn how to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro to access more advanced security and networking features.