How to Check for Windows Updates on Windows 10/11?

1. Why You Should Regularly Check for Windows Updates?

Microsoft constantly releases updates to patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce performance improvements. If you don’t check for Windows updates regularly, your PC may become more vulnerable to security exploits or slow down due to outdated system components.

Updates also bring driver improvements, compatibility fixes, and essential features, especially for Windows 11 users who rely heavily on ongoing enhancements. Staying updated is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to maintain a healthy PC.

2. How to Check for Windows Updates on Windows 10/11？

Below are simple, effective methods to check for updates automatically through Windows Settings, and manually via PowerShell commands:

Method 1: Automatically Check for Windows Updates in Windows Settings

If you want the simplest answer to “how do I check for Windows updates”, this is the default and easiest way to find Windows Update options on any Windows 10/11 PC. It is also the official method to check and update your computer, and that’s why it is the easiest and quickest:

• Press “W in + I” keys on your keyboard to open “Windows Settings” and go to the “Updates & Security/Windows Update” option.

• Click the "Check for Updates" button, and Windows will automatically start checking for updates. Now, if you find any updates, you may install them as well.

  

Method 2: Check for Windows Updates Using PowerShell

For users who prefer command-line tools or want additional control, there are built-in commands to check for updates on Windows manually. This is also helpful when the Settings app is broken or unresponsive.

• Search for "PowerShell" in Windows Search and right-click PowerShell to select "Run as Administrator”. Run the command “Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate” and confirm by pressing “Y” for Yes.

  

• Now, run the command “Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned” and again confirm by pressing “Y”.

• Finally, run the command "Get-WindowsUpdate" to check for updates. If you also want to install the available updates, you may enter the command "Install-WindowsUpdate”

Bonus: How to Upgrade Windows 11 25H2 on Unsupported Hardware?

For users with older PCs that don’t meet Windows 11’s strict CPU, TPM, or Secure Boot requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 can seem impossible. However, 4DDiG Partition Manager offers a safe and easy solution to bypass Windows 25H2 hardware restrictions without risking data loss.

It ensures a faster and more reliable installation, allowing users to enjoy the latest Windows 11 features even on unsupported hardware. By handling the technical steps automatically, 4DDiG Partition Manager reduces the risk of errors and makes the upgrade accessible to anyone, regardless of technical expertise.

• Download and install the 4DDiG Partition Manager software on your computer. Launch the software and click the "Windows Download and Upgrade" option from the left side, then select "Windows 11 Upgrade”.

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• Click the “Detect and Upgrade” button to check which of Windows 11’s requirements are not met by your hardware and which ones are met.

  

• It will give you a list of Windows 11 requirements and tell you which ones are not met. You can bypass those easily by clicking "Next," and it does not require any additional complex steps.

  

• Now, choose the language and region for your computer and click the "Start Upgrading" button, and confirm by clicking "Sure" in the pop-up window.

  

• 4DDiG will now bypass the Windows 11 requirements for your PC, and it may take a moment; then you will see the Windows 11 setup screen. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen steps for installing Windows 11 on your computer now.

  

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If you come across any problems while installing Windows 11 25H2, this article may help you:

How to Fix Windows 11 25H2 Update Issues [100% Working]

3.Why Can't My Computer Check for Updates?

Sometimes users report: “why can’t my computer check for updates?” or “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates.” This usually points to corrupted system components, disabled services, or damaged update caches. Below is the most effective fix:

• Press "W in + R" keys on your keyboard, then enter "services.msc” and press “Enter” to run it.

• Scroll up to find "Windows Update Service" and right-click it, then select "Stop" and do not close this window.

  

• Now, open the "My Computer" window and go to the OS drive, usually the C Drive, then go to "Windows" and open "Software Distribution”.

  

• Here, you need to delete all the contents of “Software Distribution” and immediately right-click “Recycle Bin” on the desktop and select “Empty”.

• Now go back to the “Windows Update Service” screen and right-click it. This time select “Start”.

This is the process that deletes the contents of Software Distribution. This way, the old, corrupted contents are replaced with new, working ones. As a result, Windows can successfully check for updates again via the automatic method.

More FAQs about Windows Update

You can find Windows updates by opening Settings > Updates & Security/Windows Update on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. This page shows update history, pending downloads, and optional updates.

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates or use PowerShell commands to trigger manual scans if the Settings app doesn’t work.

Conclusion

Regularly checking for Windows updates keeps your computer secure, optimized, and compatible with new software. Whether you prefer automatic methods or manual PowerShell commands, the process is quick and ensures your system runs smoothly.

Do you want to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 25H2, but your device is unsupported, and you do not know how to check for Windows updates? 4DDiG Partition Manager provides a safe and reliable way to bypass hardware restrictions without risking your files.