Windows Updates

Windows Update, a service offered by Microsoft, provides updates for Windows components. It can be replaced with Microsoft Update, an expanded version of the service which provides for other Microsoft software as well, such as Microsoft Office, Windows Live Essentials, and Microsoft Expression Studio.

The service provides different kinds of updates. Security updates or critical updates protect against vulnerabilities to malware and security exploits. Other updates correct errors unrelated to security or enhance functionality.

Windows Update clients normally download updates over an Internet connection, although Microsoft makes provision for installing updates on computers without an Internet connection and a range of alternative methods and programs also exist to install updates.

How to Check for Updates in Windows 10

By default, Windows 10 will download the missing updates in the background, but you can always check for updates on your own. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
2. Once the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
   
3. Click Check for updates button.
   

Windows will now check for new updates and download them in the background.

Windows feature update version history

Windows OS has received several feature updates so far, as you can see in the table above and starting with version 1607 each update has a marketing name:

• Anniversary Update
• Creators Update
• Fall Creators Update
• April 2018 Update