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 10/11 operating system will automatically check for updates. When an update becomes available, Windows will download the update to your computer, and install it. Windows updates 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.  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, or you have a mobile device or laptop that is off campus and not communicating with the update server.  Any of these conditions require the end user to facilitate the update process.


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.
 
To manually update your computer please follow these steps:


  • Click or tap the Start button, and choose Settings, or click the Start button and type "Settings" in the search box.

          


  • This will open up your computer's Settings control panel.

          

  • Click or tap Update & security in the Settings window.

          

  • Select "Check online for updates from Microsoft Update."  

          

  • Windows 10 will check for updates. If an update is available, it will download and install. A progress bar with a completion percentage will be displayed during the process.


  • Optional Updates:  Click the "View optional updates" button/link.  
    • If you do not see this link then you do not have any optional updates available to you at this time.  
    • Expand the optional updates.  
    • Select all optional updates



    • Click Download and Install


                         
  • Once all your updates are installed it may require you to reboot your computer.  
    • 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.

  • Once your computer restarts, navigate back to Windows Update. 
    • Click the Check online for updates link/button. 
    • This step is important because there are times when an update requires a previous update to install.  

  • Repeat this process until there are no more updates available.


Window 11 Update Process


  • Click Start > Settings 


  • Under Settings > On the left panel look for Windows Update



  • You Click the dropdown arrow next to check for updates and the choose check online with Microsoft. 


  • If you have some updates to install you will see them listed here and they will download and install automatically.


  • Once this is done and installed its possibly that Windows will need to do a restart for it to fully install the program.


  • Windows 11 Optional Updates:  Click the "View optional updates" button/link


  • Next in that Advanced Options menu look for the Additional options area > Then look for Optional Updates.



If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Campus Support at 479-968-0646 or email campussupport@atu.edu. We are happy to assist you!