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How & Why to Update Windows (Win10/11 Guide)

Posted on by Chris Harvey
How & Why to Update Windows
10
Feb

How and Why to Update Windows (Windows 10 & 11)

If your PC feels slow, buggy, or “a bit off”, there’s a good chance it’s overdue for updates. Windows Updates aren’t just about new features — they quietly patch security holes, fix errors, improve performance, and keep your laptop compatible with modern apps and hardware.

Below is a simple, safe, step-by-step guide you can follow at home — plus tips to stop surprise restarts and what to do if Windows Update gets stuck.

Why Windows updates matter (the non-technical version)

Keeping Windows updated helps with:

  • Security: Updates patch newly discovered vulnerabilities (this is the big one).
  • Stability: Fixes for random crashes, glitches, and “it just froze” moments.
  • Performance: Improvements that can reduce slowdowns and weird behaviour.
  • Compatibility: Helps newer apps, printers, docks, and monitors work properly.

Before you start: a quick 2-minute checklist

  • Plug into power (especially laptops) — don’t update on low battery.
  • Save your work and close apps you don’t need.
  • Allow time: Most updates take 10–30 minutes, but bigger ones can take longer.
  • Use a stable internet connection (avoid mobile hotspot if possible).

How to update Windows 11

  1. Click Start → Settings
  2. Go to Windows Update
  3. Click Check for updates
  4. If updates appear, click Download & install
  5. If prompted, click Restart (or schedule it for later)

How to update Windows 10

  1. Click Start → Settings
  2. Go to Update & Security → Windows Update
  3. Click Check for updates
  4. Install what’s offered and restart if prompted

Pro tip: check “Optional updates” (drivers & extras)

Sometimes Windows will offer optional updates, often driver-related. These can help with things like Wi-Fi stability, Bluetooth, trackpads, docking stations, and displays.

  • In Windows Update, look for Advanced options → Optional updates (wording varies slightly by version)
  • Only tick items you recognise (or stick to drivers if you’re unsure)

How to stop Windows restarting at the worst possible time

If you’ve ever walked away mid-task and come back to a “Restarting…” screen… this section is for you.

  • Schedule the restart: If Windows asks for a restart, choose Schedule the restart and pick a time that suits.
  • Set Active Hours: Tell Windows when you normally use your PC so it avoids restarts during those times.
  • Pause updates (short-term): Handy if you’re in the middle of something important — just remember to unpause and update later.

How often should you update Windows?

  • Home users: Check once a week (or at least once a fortnight).
  • Work / study devices: Weekly is ideal, especially if you use email, banking, or cloud apps.
  • After buying a laptop: Run Windows Update fully on day one — it’s one of the best “fresh start” steps.

Common Windows Update problems (and what to do)

1) “Updates are stuck at 0% / 20% / 99%”

  • Give it time (some updates pause while “working in the background”).
  • Restart your PC once and try again.
  • Make sure you have at least 15–20GB free space on your drive.

2) “Restart required” keeps coming back

  • Do a proper restart (Start → Power → Restart, not Shutdown).
  • After reboot, go back into Windows Update and check again.

3) Windows Update errors or repeated failures

  • Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter.
  • If it’s still broken, you may need to reset Windows Update components.

If you’re seeing repeated update failures, this guide can help: Fixing Windows Update Issues: How to Reset Windows Update Components.

Related guides (recommended)

Need a hand?

If your laptop is struggling to update (or it’s taking hours every time), it can be a sign of low storage, drive health issues, or software conflicts. If you purchased from NZ Laptop Wholesale, flick us a message — we’re happy to point you in the right direction. And if you’re shopping for a reliable ex-lease laptop that’s been tested, cleaned, and ready to go, check out our range — backed by our warranty and shipped NZ-wide.

Chris Harvey