How can you stay up-to-date with Windows operating system patches and updates?

1 Check your update settings

The first step to staying up-to-date with Windows updates is to check your update settings and make sure they suit your needs and preferences. You can access them by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Here you can see the status of your updates, pause them, change the active hours, and choose how to receive updates from Microsoft or other sources. You can also enable or disable optional updates, such as drivers, features, or quality updates.

2 Schedule or defer updates

Sometimes you may want to schedule or defer updates to avoid interruptions or conflicts with your work or other activities. You can do this by using the advanced options in the Windows Update settings. For example, you can schedule a restart to finish installing updates at a convenient time, or you can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days. However, be careful not to postpone updates for too long, as this may expose your computer to security risks or compatibility issues.

4 Optimize your system performance

Windows updates can sometimes affect your system performance, either positively or negatively. To optimize your system performance after installing updates, you can do some simple tasks, such as clearing your temporary files, disk space, and cache, running a disk defragmentation, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and updating your drivers and software. You can also use the Performance Monitor or the Task Manager to monitor your system resources and identify any bottlenecks or issues.

6 Stay informed and alert

Finally, to stay up-to-date with Windows updates, you need to stay informed and alert about the latest news and developments from Microsoft and other sources. You can do this by subscribing to newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts that cover Windows topics. You can also join online forums, communities, or groups where you can exchange tips, opinions, and experiences with other Windows users. Moreover, you can always contact Microsoft support or a professional computer repair service if you need help or advice on Windows updates.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?