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It's easy to check for updates in Windows 10.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
  • Windows 10 is programmed to check for updates automatically, and then install them once you restart your computer.
  • You can check for updates in Windows 10 manually by going to the “Update & Security” menu, which can be accessed with just a few clicks.
  • You should keep Windows 10 updated as best you can, as each update brings new features and bug fixes.
  • Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.

Windows 10, like its many predecessors, needs occasional updates to keep the computer running efficiently and securely. These updates usually occur automatically or will start after asking permission. 

Sometimes, though, it’s helpful to manually check for any updates that haven’t been installed yet, especially if your computer is behaving strangely. 

Here’s how to check for updates on a Windows 10 PC, and then install them.

How to check for updates on a Windows 10 PC

1. Click on the Start menu in the bottom left corner of your screen — it looks like the Windows logo. 

2. From there, click on the Settings icon, which is a small icon that looks like a gear.

3. At the bottom of the Settings menu, click "Update & Security."

How to check for updates on Windows 10 1
To view potential updates, click on "Update & Security" from the Settings menu.
Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

4. Click on "Check for updates" to see if your computer is up-to-date, or if there are any updates available. Your computer will also show the date and time of when it was last updated.

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Click the "Check for updates" button to see what updates are available.
Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

5. If there were updates available, they'll begin to download automatically. On the next screen, your computer will show the current status of your updates. Broader system updates will also be noted on this screen.

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After you check for updates, any available ones will begin downloading automatically.
Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

You can also view further information about your computer's updates by clicking the various links on the Updates page.

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