The Windows operating system receives regular updates to add new features, ensure security, and improve performance.
However, these updates can sometimes cause unexpected problems or slow internet speeds. In this comprehensive article, you can learn how to check and manage Windows updates and how to roll them back if necessary.
Check and Manage Windows Updates
Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is essential for strengthening security, improving performance, and accessing new features. You can check and manage updates through the ‘Settings’ app. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open the Start menu and click on the gear icon to open “Settings.”
- Here, click on the “Update & Security” option.
- In the “Windows Update” tab, click the “Check for updates” button to search for available updates.
- You will see the found updates in the list. You can install the updates by clicking the “Install now” or “Restart now” buttons.
- In the “Advanced options” section, you can control how and when updates are installed. For example, you can postpone updates for a certain period of time or disable automatic restarts.
You can enable automatic updates to close security vulnerabilities and get new features. You can easily check and manage your Windows updates by following these steps.
Steps to Turn Off Automatic Windows Updates
Turning off automatic Windows updates completely is not recommended as it can expose you to security vulnerabilities. However, in certain situations, you may want to disable it temporarily. Here are the steps to turn off automatic Windows updates:
- Type “Services” in the Start menu and open the “Services” application.
- Find the “Windows Update” service in the list of services and double-click it. Select the “Disabled” option from the menu.
- Then stop the service by clicking the “Stop” button. Click the “OK” button to save the changes.
How to Roll Back Windows Updates and Revert to Previous Version
Windows updates can sometimes cause unexpected problems. Fortunately, Windows gives you the option to roll back updates to an older version. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and open “Settings” by clicking on the gear icon.
- Next, enter the “Update & Security” option.
- Switch to the “Recovery” tab and find the “Go back to previous version of Windows” option.
- You can start the process by clicking the “Start” button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback process. During this process, you may be asked questions such as why you want to go back and given options such as whether you want to keep your files.
The rollback process mostly preserves your personal files, but it’s recommended to back up any important data just in case. Windows usually lets you roll back updates installed within the last 10 days. If that time period has passed, you won’t be able to revert to the previous version.
Alternative Method: System Restore
If you are unable to go back using the above method or want to revert to an earlier point, you can use the “System Restore” feature. This feature will restore your computer to a previously created restore point.
Common Windows Update Problems and Solutions
Here are some common problems with Windows updates and their solutions:
1. Windows Updates Won’t Install or Download
Make sure your internet connection is stable and not experiencing any interruptions. Run the troubleshooter by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update.
Some antivirus programs may block updates. In such a case, you can temporarily disable antivirus programs and try again.
Updates may not be installed when there is not enough disk space. You can free up space by cleaning up the disk.
2. Computer Slows Down After Windows Updates
Open “Task Manager” and disable unnecessary programs that run automatically at startup.
Disk defragmentation can improve performance by helping organize files more efficiently.
After updates, some drivers may experience incompatibility issues. In this case, you can download and install the latest drivers for your devices from the relevant manufacturer’s website.
3. I Get Windows Update Error
You can find solutions by searching the internet for the error code you encounter. Microsoft’s support page also has specific solutions for these error codes.
If the issue is caused by a recent update, you can restore your computer to a time before the update.
4. Hardware Problems After Windows Updates
Hardware issues are often caused by driver incompatibilities. You can roll back drivers to a previous version or install the latest drivers.
If there are devices with yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager, there may be driver issues. You can update or roll back the drivers.
Tips for Using Windows Updates Safely and Efficiently
In order for the update process to be smooth and efficient, it is necessary to pay attention to some tips. Here are some suggestions to help you use Windows updates safely and efficiently:
Preparations Before Windows Updates
- Backup Your Data:Backup your important files and data to an external disk or cloud storage service to avoid any unexpected situations.
- Disk Space Check:Make sure there is enough disk space for updates. You can free up space by clearing unnecessary files or uninstalling programs.
Things to Consider During Windows Updates
- Internet Connection:Make sure your internet connection is stable and uninterrupted. Updates can cause problems if they are interrupted.
- Do Not Restart Your Computer:Do not turn off or restart your computer until the update process is complete.
Steps After Windows Updates
- Restart Your Computer:After the updates are installed, restart your computer. This is necessary for the changes to take effect.
- Check Drivers:Some updates may affect your hardware drivers. Check your drivers to make sure your devices are working properly and update them if necessary.
By following these tips, you can manage Windows updates safely and efficiently and keep your computer’s performance and security at the highest level.