For example, after a new installation of Windows 11 or if the computer hasn’t been connected to the internet for some time. If Windows Update isn’t working, it might be necessary to install an update manually to fix the problem. Or a specific driver needs an update, or you want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Whatever the reason, Windows 11 has at least four ways to update the system using the Windows Update settings, manual download, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Microsoft offers three main types of updates (quality, optional, and feature updates). “Quality updates” are available monthly with security and non-security fixes, improvements, and features (occasionally). “Optional updates” are not critical but necessary, such as drivers and product updates. Finally, “feature updates” are meant to upgrade the device to a newer version (for example, Windows 11 22H2). This guide will teach you six ways to install updates on Windows 11 manually.
Install updates manually on Windows 11 Install updates manually from Microsoft Update Catalog on Windows 11 Install updates manually from Command Prompt on Windows 11 Install updates manually from PowerShell on Windows 11 Install optional updates on Windows 11 Install feature updates on Windows 11
Install updates manually on Windows 11
To install Windows 11 updates manually, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, if an update is available, it will download and install automatically on Windows 11.
Install updates manually from Microsoft Update Catalog on Windows 11
To download and install an update manually on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the cumulative update will apply to Windows 11.
Install updates manually from Command Prompt on Windows 11
Windows 11 doesn’t have a Command Prompt tool to check and download updates. However, you can use commands to install update packages manually. To install Windows 11 updates with Command Prompt, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the quality update will install quietly, and the computer will restart to finish applying the changes on Windows 11.
In the command, update the path with the location and name of the .msu package. This example installs the KB5015814 update:
Install updates manually from PowerShell on Windows 11
Alternatively, you can install a PowerShell module to download and update updates manually on Windows 11. To install updates manually with PowerShell commands, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 updates will download and install on your device.
In the command, replace KBNUMBER with the Windows update number you want to install. This example downloads and applies the KB5015814 update for Microsoft Defender:
Install optional updates on Windows 11
On Windows 11, optional updates are not critical, but they may be necessary for other functionalities. Typically, these updates are available for Microsoft and other products, feature updates, and third-party drivers (such as printers, cameras, network adapters, graphics cards, and Bluetooth peripherals). To install optional updates manually on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, Windows Update will install the packages on your computer.
Install feature updates on Windows 11
Feature updates refer to new versions of Windows 11. These updates are optional, and you can install them manually. However, if the current release of Windows 11 is reaching the end of service, the update will install automatically. To install a feature update manually on Windows 11, use these steps: In addition to Windows Update, you can install feature updates using the Installation Assistant or the official ISO file to perform an in-place upgrade.
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