For example, after performing a clean install of Windows 10 or when the device hadn’t been online for a long time, it missed some important improvements. If the Windows Update service is not working and you need to apply the latest patches to resolve the issue. You need to install a newer driver update for a device. Or you want to upgrade to a new version of the operating system. Whatever the reason it might be, on Windows 10, there are at least four ways to update the system using the Windows Update settings, manual download, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Microsoft offers three main types of updates, quality, optional, and features updates. Quality updates are available every month, and they include security and non-security fixes and improvements. Optional updates are not critical but necessary, and they include drivers and product updates. Finally, feature updates are new versions of Windows 10 (such as version 21H1). They include new features, changes, and fixes. Windows 10 receives two feature updates per year, and they usually require reinstallation and multiple restarts. In this guide, you will learn the different ways to download and install cumulative updates on Windows 10. In addition, we will outline the steps to install optional and feature updates.
Install updates on Windows 10 via Windows Update Install updates on Windows 10 via Microsoft Update Catalog Install updates on Windows 10 via Command Prompt Install updates on Windows 10 via PowerShell Install optional updates on Windows 10 Install feature updates on Windows 10
Install updates on Windows 10 via Windows Update
To download and install updates with Windows Update, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, if an update is available, it will download and install automatically. Windows Update settings
Install updates on Windows 10 via Microsoft Update Catalog
To download and apply the update package manually, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the cumulative update will apply to the computer. Standalone installer
Install updates on Windows 10 via Command Prompt
While Command Prompt does not have a mechanism to check for updates, you can use the console to install a .msu package to update the system with the latest fixes. To install updates of Windows 10 using Command Prompt, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the quality update will install quietly, and the device will restart to finish applying the changes on Windows 10. Microsoft Update Catalog In the command, update the path with the location and name of the .msu update package. This example installs the KB5001391 update: Windows Update in Command Prompt
Install updates on Windows 10 via PowerShell
Alternatively, you can also install a PowerShell module to manage updates on Windows 10. To check and install Windows 10 updates with PowerShell, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the Windows 10 updates will download and install on your device. PSWindowsUpdate Get-WindowsUpdate In the command, make sure to replace KBNUMBER with the update number you want to install. This example downloads and applies the KB2267602 update for Microsoft Defender: Install-WindowsUpdate KBArticleID Get-WUHistory
Install optional updates on Windows 10
Optional updates are not critical to Windows 10, but they may be necessary for other functionalities. Usually, these updates are available for Microsoft and non-Microsoft products, feature updates, and third-party drivers (such as printers, cameras, network adapters, graphics cards, and other USB or Bluetooth peripherals). To download and install optional updates on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and install the packages on your device. Windows 10 install optional updates In the previous versions, you were also able to install optional driver updates using Device Manager. However, the option has been removed, and now, all the updates are available through the Windows Update settings page.
Install feature updates on Windows 10
Feature updates are technically new versions of Windows 10 that include new features and significant changes. These updates are optional, and you must install them manually to upgrade to a new version. The instructions below provide an overview of the installation process. However, since these updates may cause problems during and after installation, you should create a full backup before proceeding if something goes wrong and you need to roll back. To install a feature update (such as version 20H2 or 2004), use these steps: In addition to Windows Update, you can also install feature updates using the Media Creation Tool using an in-place upgrade or clean installation. Also, you can use the Update Assistant, which is a tool that allows you to install a new feature update using an in-place upgrade. Windows 10 feature update install All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
