Managing Updates and Patches in Windows 10

Introduction

Updates and patches are vital to maintain information security standards on Windows systems. They include recent changes in the threat landscape, help fix preexisting bugs and apply recent service packs to your system. 

Windows 10 offers a dramatically changed approach to managing updates and patches. This article details the Windows 10 approach, including where to find Windows Update, the Windows Update settings app and advanced settings.

The Windows 10 approach

Windows 10 is a departure from previous Windows versions. Previously, updates and patches were issued with next to no user customization capabilities. Windows 10 gives users the choice of how and when they can download and install the latest updates and patches. This helps create the smoothest-running and most secure Windows 10 system possible. 

Updates and patches are cumulative in Windows 10. Updates or patches missed in one month are caught up on when the user installs updates and patches in the next month. 

Where to find Windows Update in Windows 10

There are two ways to bring up Windows Update in Windows 10. 

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1. Click on Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. In the Windows 10 Cortana search bar, search Check for Windows updates. This will bring up the Windows Update window and check for current Windows updates that need to be downloaded and installed

Windows Update settings app

Up until Windows 10 version 1703, managing updates and patches occurred within the group policy editor for enterprise deployments. As of version 1709, management has taken a more user-friendly turn by allowing users to determine how and when their Windows updates are installed. Changes are made by going to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options. 

Choose how updates are installed

In Advanced options, users are given three choices for how updates are (Read more...)