How to Update Windows 10

Keep you update Windows 10 laptop with our step-by-step guide.

Updating the software on your laptop is an easy and effective way to make sure your system runs smoothly. When you update Windows 10, your PC will have the latest features, bug fixes, and (most important) security patches.

Fortunately, Windows will periodically check for the latest system updates and install them automatically. All you need to do is restart your computer to ensure the updates finish installing (to pause updates for up to 35 days).

As convenient as automatic updates are, there are times when you’ll want to manually check for updates, like when an important security patch is rolling out or if you’ve encountered a major bug.

If you’re currently running Windows 7, then read our guide to prepare for when the operating system reaches its end of life phase. Once your laptop is updated, check out our Windows 10 guide for both beginners and power users.

Here are a few simple steps to manually check for Windows 10 updates.

How to Manually Update Windows 10

1. Select the Start (Windows) button from the bottom-left corner.
2. Go to settings (gear icon).
3. Select the Update & Security icon
4. Choose the Windows Update tab in the left sidebar (circular arrows)
5. Click the Check for updates button. If there is an available update, it will begin downloading automatically.

If you don’t see an update, don’t worry; this page will tell you if your hardware is currently incompatible.

To finish the update, you’ll need to restart Windows, but you do this later if there’s no urgency. Doing so is pretty straightforward — just follow these simple instructions. (Note, your system will not be equipped with the latest updates until it’s been restarted.)

How to Schedule a Update Windows 10

1. From the Windows Update settings page (Step 4 from above), select “Schedule the restart” found next to “Restart now.”
2. You will then be taken to a scheduling page. From there, move the Schedule a Time slider to the right (the “on” position).
3. The grayed-out “Pick a time” and “Pick a day” options will then be available to select. Use the time ticker and the date drop-down to choose when to restart your laptop.

How to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free

Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users ended a few years ago, but you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. While Microsoft has removed the special upgrade offer sites, the company continues to activate Windows 10 licenses for people who upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. That may even mean you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free as well — here’s how the free Windows 11 upgrade works.

We Check Windows 10 method, and the free upgrade still works. It’s also really simple for anyone to upgrade from Windows 7, especially as support ends for the operating system today. Assuming your PC supports the minimum requirements for Windows 10, you’ll be able to upgrade from Microsoft’s site.

The most important thing to remember is that the Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade could wipe your settings and apps. There’s an option to keep your files and personal data, but because of differences between Windows 10 and Windows 7, it’s not always possible to keep all of your existing apps.

Make sure you’ve noted what apps you use regularly so you can easily obtain them by downloading the installers again. Windows 8.1 can also be upgraded the same way, but without needing to wipe your apps and settings.

Here’s how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10:

• Back up all of your important documents, apps, and data
• Head over to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download site
• In the Create Windows 10 installation media section, select “Download tool now,” and run the app
• When prompted, choose “Upgrade this PC now.”
• You’ll then be asked whether you want to keep your personal files or start fresh. Remember: starting fresh or keeping your files still means that all apps and settings will be deleted for the Windows 10 upgrade.
• Once the upgrade is complete, you should receive a digital license for Windows 10, which can be found under Settings > Update & Security > Activation.