How to Update Windows 11: Check, Install, Restart

Keeping Windows up to date is one of the easiest ways to keep your computer safe. Here’s how to update Windows 11: Start, Settings, Windows Update, Check for updates, Download & install, then restart. Plus active hours, optional driver updates, and what to do when your computer sat all summer.

Why updates matter

Security fixes — They close the holes that viruses and hackers use
Bug fixes — Fewer crashes, freezes and glitches
Better compatibility — Printers, apps and websites keep working
Still on Windows 10? — Its support ended in October 2025. Ask us about upgrading

How to update Windows 11, step by step

1Step 1: Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

Click Start, then Settings, and choose Windows Update at the bottom of the list. Click Check for updates.

WHAT TO DOIf updates are listed, click Download & install all. Keep working while they download.

Update Windows 11: Step 1: Start → Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

2Step 2: Restart to finish installing

When it says Restart required, save your work and click Restart now. You’ll see Working on updates.

WHAT TO DOKeep a laptop plugged in, and don’t turn it off while it says Don’t turn off your computer.

Step 2: Restart to finish installing

Advanced options

3Advanced options: active hours and optional updates

Windows Update → Advanced options → Active hours: Windows won’t restart your computer during these hours.

WHAT TO DOOptional updates (driver updates) are only needed for a specific problem. Not sure? Leave them, or ask us.

Advanced options: active hours and optional updates

Snowbirds: computer sat all summer?

Expect a big batch of updates — Months of fixes can be waiting
Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, give it time — It can take an hour or more
Restart, then check again — Repeat until it says “You’re up to date”
Leaving again? Update before you go — So it’s ready when you come back

Updates stuck or failing?

Restart and try again — Use Restart, not Shut down
Stuck at the same percent for hours? — Give it time, then call us before forcing it off
A pop-up says you need to call for an update? — That’s a scam. Real updates come from Windows Update
Still failing? We can fix it — Call 239-513-1960 or click Join Remote Session at naplescomputers.com

Recap: how to update Windows 11

Start → Settings → Windows Update
Check for updates
Download & install all
Restart to finish, then check again
Set your active hours
Driver updates only for a problem

Printable quick guide

Update Windows 11 (Check, Install, Restart) (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I check for updates in Windows 11?

Click Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, and click Check for updates. If updates are listed, click Download & install all, then restart when it asks.

Should I install optional updates?

Usually not. Most driver updates install automatically. Only pick an optional driver update if you have a specific problem, like Bluetooth or a printer that stopped working. Not sure? Leave them, or ask us.

What are active hours?

The hours you usually use your computer. Windows won’t restart for updates during them. Find them in Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options.

My computer sat all summer. What should I do?

Expect a big batch of updates. Plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, check for updates, and give it time. Restart when asked, then check again until it says you’re up to date.

What if Windows Update is stuck or keeps failing?

Restart (not Shut down) and try again. If it’s stuck at the same percent for hours, call us before forcing it off. Naples Computers can fix failed updates: call 239-513-1960.

Real updates come from Windows Update. A pop-up or caller saying you must call a number or let someone in to “update” your computer is a scam. Naples Computers never cold-calls customers; our remote sessions are scheduled, or started by you.

How to Update Windows 11