Introduction:


The Office of Information Systems manages a Windows Update Server that helps keep your ATU-owned Windows computer up to date.  By default, the Windows 10 operating system will automatically check for updates through this server. When an update becomes available, Windows will download the update to your computer, and install it; this include critical patches, security fixes, driver updates, virus definition updates, and feature upgrades.


Microsoft's Windows Update Server is not designed to supply every possible update.  There are times when you will need to update your computer manually.  The following are some of the conditions that would require the end user to facilitate the update process.

  • Some Windows updates require a reboot of your computer
  • Some may require interaction to install
  • Your computer may have specialized hardware installed in it
  • Your computer may get stuck during the update process and need a push to get started again
  • You have a mobile device or laptop that is off campus and not communicating with the update server.  


It is critical that you manually update your computer at least twice a month.  It is also good practice to reboot your computer several times a week.  Rebooting your computer promotes good system health.



Steps To Manually Update Your Computer:


Step 1:  Click or tap the Start button, and choose Settings as shown in the following figure.



         



Result:  This will open up your computer's Settings control panel as shown below.




Step 2:  Click or tap Update & security in the Settings window.





Result:  The Windows Update dialog box is displayed.


Step 3:  On the Windows Update dialog box, click the Check online for updates from Microsoft Update option as indicated here.

NOTE:  The View optional updates option will be covered in Step 4.





Result:  Windows 10 will check for updates. If an update is available, it will download and install. A  completion percentage will be displayed during the process.  See the next image for an example.





Step 4 (Optional):  If the View optional updates option is displayed (as shown in the image above), click the View optional updates option.

NOTE:  If you do not see this link then you do not have any optional updates available to you at this time.  If there are optional updates available:

  • Expand the optional updates. 
  • Select all optional updates.
  • Click the Download and Install button.



Result:  The Optional updates will be installed along with the Windows updates.


NOTE:  Some updates will require a reboot after they are installed.

  • It is a good practice to reboot after manually installing updates, even if it is not required.
  • This keeps your computer free from any update processes that are running and promotes good system health.


Step 5:  After a post-update restart, repeat Steps 1 - 4 to check for additional updates


NOTE:  This step is important because there are times when an update is dependent on a previous update to install.  Repeat this process until there are no more updates available and Windows tells you you're Up To Date.



Summary:

In this article, we went over the steps to manually install Windows (and optional) updates.  Periodically, Microsoft puts out updates, fixed, security patches, etc.  It's important to keep your Windows computer up to date in order to keep it running properly.  When these updates aren't performed automatically, or need 

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Campus Support at 479-968-0646 or email [email protected]. We are happy to assist you!