By updating the Windows 8.1 operating system, Microsoft can install critical fixes and fix device drivers so that the computer can run efficiently. Based on the operating system default settings, Windows 8.1 installs updates automatically. However, if you disable the automatic update feature, you can manually update Windows 8.1 at any time via the “Settings” menu.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting Up Automatic Updates
Step 1. Drag the right side of the screen towards the left and select “Settings”
If you're using a mouse, hover over the lower right corner of the screen, drag the cursor up, then select “Settings”
Step 2. Click “Change PC settings”, then select “Update and recovery”
Step 3. Select “Choose how updates get installed”
Step 4. Click the drop-down menu under “Important updates”, then select “Install updates automatically”
Step 5. Place a tick next to “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates”, then click “Apply”
Step 6. Close the “Change settings” dialog box
Going forward, Microsoft will automatically install Windows 8.1 updates as they become available.
Method 2 of 3: Checking for Updates Manually
Step 1. Drag the right side of the screen towards the left and select “Settings”
If you're using a mouse, hover over the lower right corner of the screen, drag the cursor up, then select “Settings”
Step 2. Click “Change PC settings”, then select “Update and recovery”
Step 3. Click “Check now”
Windows will look for the latest available update from Microsoft.
Step 4. Click “Install updates” if an update is available
Step 5. Review and accept the license terms, then click “Finish”
Windows takes a while to install the latest updates from Microsoft.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter feature to deal with issues with Windows updates if you are having trouble installing the latest updates from Microsoft
Troubleshooting tools can identify and automatically resolve update-related issues.
- Visit the Microsoft website at https://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-8 and click the “Windows Update Troubleshooter” link in the first sentence.
- Save the “.diagcab” file to the desktop, then double-click the file to run the troubleshooting tool. The computer will use these tools automatically to resolve glitches related to Windows updates.
Step 2. Use the System Restore program to restore the computer to a previous point or state if the computer is not responding after restarting and installing updates
The System Restore feature can handle and “undo” problems caused by the latest Windows updates.
- Press and hold the power button on the computer until the computer turns off, then press the power button again to restart the computer. The “Automatic Repair” window will be displayed on the screen.
- Click “Restore” next to the text “System Restore”.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows updates after the system is restored. Usually, updates can be installed properly after a system restore is performed.
Step 3. Try restarting the computer if the latest update from Microsoft doesn't work
Some updates are applied immediately to files and services that are currently in use when the computer starts, while other updates are not applied until the computer is restarted.
