Windows includes a dedicated area for managing Windows Update and Security Settings, where you can check for updates, control update behavior, review Windows security protections, and manage recovery options.
Whether you are using Windows 11 or a supported version of Windows 10, these settings give you a central place to keep your system in good shape. You do not need to be a technical expert to use them. Most options are clearly organized, and Windows provides helpful information about what each setting does.
In this guide, you will learn how to open Windows Update and Security Settings and what the major options mean.
Windows Update and Security Settings
To access the main update and security controls in Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update. On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
The exact layout differs between the two versions, but the purpose is largely the same.
Open Windows Update Settings
Start by opening Settings. You can select Start > Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
If you are running Windows 11, select Windows Update from the left side of the Settings window. This page is your main control center for Windows updates.
Windows 10 places update controls under Update & Security. Select that category and then choose Windows Update.
Check for Windows Updates
The Check for updates button allows Windows to contact Microsoft’s update service and look for available updates.
Select Check for updates when you want to manually search for newer updates. Windows can find security updates, quality updates, driver updates, and other applicable system updates.
Regularly checking for updates can help your computer receive important security fixes and bug fixes. If Windows finds an update, it may download and install it automatically, depending on your settings.
Review Update Status
The Windows Update page shows the current status of your system. You may see messages indicating that your PC is up to date, that updates are downloading, or that a restart is required.
Pay attention to notifications asking you to restart your computer. Some updates cannot finish installing until Windows restarts.
If you see Restart required, save your work and restart when convenient. You can sometimes schedule the restart for a more suitable time.
Manage Active Hours
Active hours tell Windows when you normally use your computer.
Windows can use this information to avoid automatically restarting your PC for an update while you are actively working.
Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours. Depending on your Windows version, you may be able to let Windows automatically determine your active hours or manually specify them.
For example, if you typically work during the day, setting those hours appropriately can reduce unexpected interruptions.
Explore Advanced Options
The Advanced options section provides additional controls for Windows Update.
Here, you can find settings related to update notifications, delivery optimization, optional updates, and other update behavior. Some options vary according to your Windows version and device configuration.
Optional updates deserve particular attention. They can include certain drivers and noncritical updates that Windows does not necessarily install automatically. If you are troubleshooting hardware, checking this section can sometimes reveal a useful driver update.
However, you should not install every optional driver simply because it is available. If your hardware is working correctly, there may be no reason to change its current driver.
Review Update History
Windows keeps a record of updates that have been installed.
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history in Windows 11. Windows 10 provides a similar View update history option under Update & Security > Windows Update.
The history can be useful when troubleshooting a problem that started after an update. You can see different categories of installed updates, including quality updates, driver updates, and definition updates.
If a particular issue appeared immediately after an update, this history can help you identify what changed.
Check Windows Security
Windows also includes built-in security controls through the Windows Security app.
Open Start, search for Windows Security, and open the app. You will find several protection areas designed to help secure your PC.
Virus & threat protection helps protect your computer from malware and other threats. Windows uses Microsoft Defender Antivirus to provide real-time protection on supported systems.
Account protection provides information about your Windows account and related security features. Depending on your system, you may also see options involving Windows Hello and sign-in security.
Review Firewall and Network Protection
The Firewall & network protection section lets you review Windows Firewall status for different network profiles.
Windows can use different profiles for Domain, Private, and Public networks. A public network, such as Wi-Fi at an airport or coffee shop, generally requires more caution than a trusted private network.
The firewall helps control unwanted network connections. Unless you have a specific reason, it is generally best to keep the built-in firewall enabled.
Check App and Browser Control
The App & browser control section provides security features designed to help protect you from potentially unsafe applications, files, websites, and downloads.
Windows may use reputation-based protection to evaluate certain apps and files before allowing them to run.
This can be especially useful when downloading software from the internet. You should still download applications from reputable sources rather than relying entirely on Windows security features.
Review Device Security
The Device security section displays security features supported by your hardware and Windows configuration.
You may see features such as Core isolation, Memory integrity, and security processor information.
These features can help protect important parts of Windows from certain types of attacks. Availability depends on your hardware, firmware, drivers, and Windows edition.
If you see a warning in this section, read the explanation before changing anything. Disabling a security feature can sometimes affect your PC’s protection.
Check Device Performance and Health
Windows Security can also provide a Device performance & health area.
This section can highlight issues involving Windows Time service, storage capacity, apps, or other aspects of system health, depending on your Windows version.
Think of it as a quick health check rather than a complete diagnostic tool. If Windows identifies a problem, review its recommendation before taking action.
Use Windows Recovery Options
Windows includes recovery features for situations where updates or other changes cause serious problems.
In Windows 11, you can find recovery controls through Settings > System > Recovery. Windows 10 generally places them under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Depending on your system, you may find options such as Reset this PC, Advanced startup, and recovery-related settings.
Reset this PC can reinstall Windows while giving you options regarding personal files. Because resetting Windows can have significant consequences for installed applications and settings, use it only when simpler troubleshooting methods have failed.
Faqs
What is Windows Update used for?
Windows Update is used to deliver Windows updates, including security fixes, quality improvements, feature updates, and certain drivers. Keeping Windows updated helps maintain security and compatibility.
How often should I check Windows Update?
Windows normally checks for updates automatically, so you do not need to manually check every day. However, manually selecting Check for updates can be useful when you are troubleshooting a problem or waiting for an available update.
Should I install optional updates?
Not necessarily. Optional updates can include drivers and other updates that are not considered essential. If your PC is working properly, review the details before installing them.
Is Windows Security enough to protect my computer?
Windows Security provides important built-in protection, including Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall. You should still practice safe browsing habits, keep applications updated, and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
Can I turn off Windows updates permanently?
Windows is designed to receive important updates, particularly security updates. Permanently disabling updates is generally not recommended because it can leave your computer exposed to known vulnerabilities.
Why does Windows require a restart after an update?
Some system files cannot be replaced while Windows is actively using them. A restart allows Windows to finish applying those changes.
Summary
Windows Update and Security Settings give you the tools you need to maintain and protect your Windows computer. Start with Settings > Windows Update to check for updates, review update history, manage active hours, and explore advanced update controls.
For security, open Windows Security and review Virus & threat protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security, and Device performance & health.
If you run into a major Windows problem, the Recovery settings provide additional troubleshooting and reset options.