If an update fails to install because of problems related to system files or components, you might see the following message in the Windows Update page in Settings: Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components. Selecting the Reinstall now option opens Fix problems using Windows Update.

Microsoft Defender Offline will load and perform a quick scan of your PC in the Windows Recovery Environment. When the scan completes, your PC automatically restarts Note: To see the results of the offline scan, open the Windows Security app on your Windows device and select Protection history.

Prevents Windows Update from performing driver installations and sending restart notifications Helps achieve a more stable frame rate depending on the specific game ...

Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.

If Microsoft 365 or Office activation fails, you'll see Unlicensed Product or Non-commercial use / Unlicensed Product in the title bar of your Microsoft 365 or Office apps, and most features of Microsoft 365 or Office are disabled. To restore all features of Microsoft 365 or Office, you'll need to fix the problem that's causing activation to fail.

In Windows 10, if you are not ready to get recommended updates, you can pause the update from being downloaded and installed. In Windows 10, version 1903 (or later), Windows 10 Pro, version 1809, or Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1809: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Select either Pause updates for 7 days or Advanced options. Then, in the Pause updates section ...

Hotpatch updates are monthly security updates that get installed and take effect without the need to restart your Windows device. This represents a significant advancement in helping you stay secure and productive using Windows as you can get secure faster, with minimized disruption.

To get Windows Updates automatically, see Get Windows updates as soon as they're available for your device. To prevent inconvenient installs and restarts when you're using your device from Windows Updates, see Keep your device up to date with active hours. Check for Windows updates Related topics

More Information About the Software Protection Platform serviceThis service enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows-based applications. If the service is disabled, the operating system and licensed applications may run in a notification mode. We strongly recommend that you not disable the service. References See the terminology that ...

To learn more about differences between security updates, optional non-security preview updates, out-of-band (OOB) updates, and continuous innovation, see Windows monthly updates explained. For information on Windows update terminology, see the different types of Windows software updates.