- Where Windows Update lives in Windows 11
- Feature updates vs quality updates
- Controlling when updates install
- Removing an update that caused trouble
- When a Windows 11 update fails
- Windows Update error codes and what they mean
- The command-line fixes, if you're comfortable
- My verdict on Windows 11 updates
- Frequently asked questions
To update Windows 11, select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. If anything's waiting, select Download & install and restart when you're asked, although Windows 11 also downloads and installs updates on its own.
Here's the catch most people miss. You can't switch Windows Update off for good. Microsoft lets you pause updates, but once the pause limit is reached you have to install the latest updates before you can pause again. So your real controls are pausing, active hours and scheduling the restart, not stopping updates altogether.
Where Windows Update lives in Windows 11
| What you want to do | Where to find it, as of October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Check for updates now | Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates |
| Pause updates | Start > Settings > Windows Update, then pick a length next to Pause updates |
| Pick a restart time | Start > Settings > Windows Update > Schedule the restart |
| See what's installed | Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history |
| Remove an update | Update history > Uninstall updates, then Uninstall next to the update |
| Run the update troubleshooter | Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then Run next to Windows Update |
If the latest version isn't offered through Check for updates, Microsoft points you to the Windows Update Assistant to get it manually. If you're still on Windows 10, support ended on 14 October 2025: no more free software updates from Windows Update, technical help or security fixes. Your PC still works, but Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. If you're wondering what that costs, here's my answer to is Windows 11 free.
Feature updates vs quality updates
Windows sends two kinds of update through the same channel. Feature updates are typically released once per year and bring new functionality and capabilities, plus fixes and security updates. Quality updates are more frequent and are mainly small fixes and security patches, although they sometimes include new features. To keep getting the monthly ones, you have to be on a supported version of Windows.
One thing that surprises people: Windows Update starts a feature update by itself when your version is approaching end of servicing. Microsoft only does this on consumer devices and non-managed business devices, so a work laptop run by an IT team won't behave the same way. Monthly quality updates are small and barely touch your data usage. Feature updates need more data, and on a metered connection some updates won't install automatically.
Controlling when updates install
- Select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update.
- Next to Pause updates, choose the pause length you prefer.
- When an update needs a restart, select Schedule the restart and pick a time that suits you.
- Set active hours, so automatic restarts only happen when you're not using the device.
- Leave laptops and tablets plugged in when you're not using them, so an update installed outside active hours has the power to finish.
Windows tries to restart when you're not using the PC, and asks you to schedule it if it can't. Microsoft says updates don't use more battery than other typical system processes, so there's no reason to avoid them on a laptop. How long a download takes depends mainly on your connection speed, network settings and the size of the update.
Removing an update that caused trouble
Update history shows which updates were installed and when, and it's also where you remove one. Microsoft doesn't recommend removing updates, and not all of them can be removed. But if a recent update broke something you rely on, go to Update history, select Uninstall updates, pick the update and select Uninstall.
When a Windows 11 update fails
Back up your personal files before you try any fix. You can copy important files to a USB drive with File Explorer, or back up with OneDrive. If you sign in with a Microsoft account, your system settings come back automatically after updating, once you're online. Microsoft's first suggestion is the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app, then these steps in order.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Check you're connected, under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, and that the device is plugged in.
- Make sure you're on an administrator account, because some updates need one.
- Unplug external drives, docks and other hardware you don't need, then try again.
- Clear the update cache: stop the Windows Update service in services.msc, delete everything inside C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, then start the service again.
- Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically under Time & language, because a wrong date and time can block updates.
- Update third-party drivers for any hardware you've added, using the manufacturer's website.
- Free up space. Microsoft says you need at least 16 GB free to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS.
- Run Check for updates again, since more can appear after the first batch, then restart with Update and restart.
Windows Update error codes and what they mean
| Error code | Likely cause | First thing to try |
|---|---|---|
| 0x8007000d | Problem with the update files or a corrupt update cache | Run the troubleshooter, then clear the cache |
| 0x800705b4 | The update took too long or was interrupted | Check your connection, pause antivirus or firewall briefly, restart |
| 0x80240034 | Stuck on an incomplete update or a connection issue | Check the Windows Update service is running |
| 0x800f0922 | Not enough disk space, or .NET Framework or component issues | Free up space and turn off any VPN |
| 0x80070057 or 0x80080005 | Corrupted files or the wrong system configuration | Run sfc /scannow from an administrator Command Prompt |
| 0xC1900101 | An incompatible driver | Uninstall or update network and graphics drivers in Device Manager, then try a clean boot |
| 0x80248014 | Update database problem, or the service isn't running | Run the troubleshooter and start the Windows Update service |
| 0x80070005 | Access denied | Use an administrator account |
| 0x80070002 | The update failed to install | Check free disk space |
If an update sits at the same point for ages, Microsoft's advice is to check for updates again or run the troubleshooter, because install time depends on your connection, network settings and the size of the update. If you can't find your files after an upgrade, Microsoft has a separate guide to finding lost files after the upgrade to Windows 10 or 11.
The command-line fixes, if you're comfortable
Microsoft only suggests these if you're happy in the command line, and they need administrator rights. Open Command Prompt with Run as administrator, type each command and press Enter, and let each one finish before the next.
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- Rename the update folders with ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak and ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak, then restart.
- Check the drive with chkdsk /f C: and restart when you're asked.
- Repair the Windows image with DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, wait for the confirmation message, then run sfc /scannow and let the scan complete.
- Temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus, update, then reinstall it, making sure you have any product keys first.
- Do a clean restart, which starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
If none of that works, the last resort is a clean installation of Windows 11 using the tool on Microsoft's software download page.
My verdict on Windows 11 updates
I'd leave automatic updates on, set active hours to match your working day and keep a laptop plugged in overnight, because that's what stops updates from ambushing you mid-meeting. Pause them if you're on a deadline, but don't try to dodge them for good, because you can't. If an update fails, run the troubleshooter and check free space before anything clever, and only remove an update if it broke something you need. If Windows won't stay up long enough to try any of this, start with my guide to booting into Safe Mode.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check for updates in Windows 11?
Select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them, then restart if you're asked.
Can I stop Windows 11 updates completely?
No. You can pause updates for a while, but once the pause limit is reached you need to install the latest updates before you can pause again.
How much free space does a Windows 11 update need?
Microsoft says your device needs at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. On a small drive you may need to insert a USB drive.
How do I uninstall a Windows 11 update?
Go to Settings, Windows Update, Update history, then Uninstall updates, and select Uninstall next to the update. Not all updates can be removed.
Do Windows updates drain the battery?
Microsoft says Windows updates don't consume more battery than other typical system processes. Keep laptops plugged in when you're not using them so updates can finish.
