Windows Update explained

Keeping Windows updated is the single most effective thing you can do for security. Windows sends three kinds of update, and it helps to know what each one is.

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CE: Security Update Management

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The three kinds

Windows sends three kinds of update:

Quality updates are the regular security and bug fixes, usually monthly. Install these promptly.
Feature updates are the bigger, once-a-year versions. There's no rush; it's fine to let them settle for a week or two before installing.
Driver and optional updates keep your hardware working well. They sit in a separate section.

3 steps

Check all three

Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Then open Advanced options and turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products. Look in Optional updates for any driver updates waiting.

Set restart times that suit you

Updates sometimes need a restart. Under Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours, tell Windows the times you're usually working, so it never restarts mid-task. Just don't set restarts to never, or security updates can't finish.

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