How to Update Windows 8.1

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Updating your Windows 8.1 operating system allows Microsoft to install critical fixes and repair device drivers so your computer can continue to run efficiently. By default, Windows 8.1 installs updates automatically; however, if you’ve disabled the automatic updates feature, you can update Windows 8.1 manually at any time through the Settings menu.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting Up Automatic Updates

1
Swipe in from the right side of your screen and select “Settings.”
- If using a mouse, point to the lower right corner of your screen, move the mouse pointer up, and select “Settings.”
2
Click on “Change PC settings,” then select “Update and recovery.”

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3
Select “Choose how updates get installed.”
4
Click on the dropdown menu below “Important updates,” then select “Install updates automatically.”
5
Place a checkmark next to “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates", then click on “Apply.”
6
Close the “Change settings” dialog box. Going forward, Microsoft will automatically install updates for Windows 8.1 at the time updates become available.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Checking For Updates Manually

1
Swipe in from the right side of your screen and select “Settings.”
- If using a mouse, point to the lower right corner of your screen, move the mouse pointer up, and select “Settings.”
2
Click on “Change PC settings,” then select “Update and recovery.”
3
Click on “Check now.” Windows will begin searching for the latest updates available from Microsoft.
4
Click on “Install updates” if updates are available.
5
Review and accept the license terms, then click on “Finish.” Windows will then take a few moments to install the latest updates from Microsoft.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

1
Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix problems with Windows Update if you experience problems with installing the latest updates from Microsoft. The troubleshooter tool can identify and automatically resolve problems associated with Windows Updates.
- Navigate to Microsoft’s website at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-8 and click on the “Windows Update Troubleshooter” link in the first sentence.
- Save the .diagcab file to your desktop, then double-click on the file to launch the troubleshooter. Your computer will use the troubleshooter tool automatically resolve issues related to Windows Updates.
2
Use System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier point in time if your computer stops responding after it restarts and begins to install updates. The System Restore feature will help resolve and reverse problems caused by new Windows Updates.
- Press and hold the Power button on your computer until it powers off, then press the Power button again to restart your computer. The Automatic Repair window will display on-screen.
- Click on “Restore” next to “System Restore.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows updates after your system is restored. In most cases, updates will install correctly after performing a system restore.
3
Try restarting your computer if it fails to apply the latest updates from Microsoft. Some updates apply to files and services currently in use while your computer is turned on, and will not be applied until you restart your computer.^{[2]
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Community Q&A

Question

When was the release of the new update of Windows 8.1?

Community Answer

It was released a couple of years ago. To update your OS to Windows 8.1, use Windows Update.
Question

I downloaded my 8.1 Pro from the computer. When I did, it did not give me a product key, what do I do?

Community Answer

If you bought a copy of Windows 8.1 from Microsoft's website, you should have gotten one. If you did not, you would need to contact them about this. If you just downloaded it off the internet somewhere, you'll need to go searching for a product key.