How to Enable Windows Update Properly on Windows 10
Making sure your PC is actually receiving and installing security updates, not silently falling behind.
Windows 10 is generally set to install updates automatically, but it's worth confirming this is actually happening rather than assuming it. Some update settings get changed accidentally, and a PC that's been "pausing updates" for months is quietly accumulating unpatched vulnerabilities.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check when updates were last installed. If it's been more than a month, run a manual check and install anything pending. It's also worth confirming your PC isn't set to a metered network connection, which can silently prevent updates from downloading.
For a business with multiple machines, we recommend centrally monitoring update status across your whole fleet rather than trusting each individual PC to update itself reliably.
Check for pending Windows updates from the command line.
wuauclt /detectnow
Related Articles
January 15, 2014
How to Speed Up a Slow Windows 7 PC
Practical steps to bring a sluggish Windows 7 machine back to life without a full reinstall.
August 5, 2014
Preparing for Windows XP End of Support
Windows XP no longer receives security updates. Here's what that actually means for your business.
August 18, 2015
Upgrading to Windows 10: What Small Businesses Should Know
Microsoft's newest operating system is out. Here's how to think about whether and when to move.
Prefer to have this handled for you?
Our team can take care of this and everything else on your IT plate — no obligation to find out how.