Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Install Windows 11 Updates

Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Install Windows 11 Updates

How to Manually Install Updates on Windows 11

Last Updated: 10/20/2025

Manually installing updates on Windows 11 can be essential, especially when automatic updates fail or specific issues need resolution. Cumulative updates, which Microsoft releases regularly, aim to improve system security, fix bugs, and enhance overall performance.

Sometimes, your device might require manual updates due to reasons such as:

  • A fresh installation of Windows 11.
  • Lack of internet connection for an extended period.
  • Issues with the Windows Update service.
  • Specific drivers needing updates.
  • A desire to upgrade to a newer Windows version.

In Windows 11, there are several methods available for manually installing updates, including through Windows Update settings, the Microsoft Update Catalog, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. Microsoft categorizes updates into three main types:

  • Quality Updates: Released monthly, these updates focus on security and bug fixes.
  • Optional Updates: These are not critical but may include necessary driver updates and other non-essential improvements.
  • Feature Updates: Major updates that upgrade your device to a newer Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 25H2).

This guide will demonstrate six distinct methods for manually installing updates on Windows 11.

Manual Installation via Windows Settings

To install updates directly through Windows Settings, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update.
  3. (Optional) Enable the toggle for “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” for immediate access to updates.
  4. Click on Check for updates.
  5. (Optional) Select “Download and install” for a preview update.
  6. Click Restart now to finalize installations.

After completing the above steps, Windows 11 will automatically download and install any available updates.

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Manual Download from Microsoft Update Catalog

To manually download and install an update from the Microsoft Update Catalog, follow the steps below:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
  2. Search for the update by its knowledge base (KB) number, such as KB5066835.
  3. Click the Download button for the designated update.
  4. Tip: The page typically displays multiple versions, including ARM64 and x64; download the x64 version if you have a standard PC.
  5. Download the .msu file onto your computer.
  6. Close the download prompt.
  7. Double-click the downloaded .msu file to initiate the installer.
  8. When prompted, click Yes to begin the installation process.
  9. Finally, click Restart now to reboot your computer and complete the update.

Following these instructions will successfully install the cumulative update on your Windows 11 device.

Using Command Prompt for Manual Installation

Though Windows 11 lacks a direct Command Prompt function for updating, you can still execute commands to install updates manually. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog at this link.
  2. Search for the relevant KB number, like KB5066835.
  3. Download the update package.
  5. Select the link to obtain the .msu file.
  6. Close any download prompts.
  7. Open Start and find Command Prompt. Right-click and choose Run as administrator.
  8. Run the following command to install the update:

    9. wusa c:\PATH\TO\UPDATE.msu /quiet /norestart

    Make sure to replace the path with the actual location of your .msu file. An example command would be:

    wusa c:\Users\USERACCOUNT\Downloads\windows10.0-KB5066835-x64.msu /quiet /norestart

  10. To verify the installation status, input the following command:

    11. wmic qfe list brief /format:pagele

  11. Type this command to restart your computer:

    12. shutdown /r /t 00

Executing these steps will install the quality update quietly, and your computer will finish applying changes automatically.

Installing Updates with PowerShell

An alternative method involves using PowerShell for manual updates. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Start and search for PowerShell. Right-click the top result and select Run as administrator.
  2. To download the necessary PowerShell module, enter:

    3. Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

  4. When prompted, type Y to confirm.
  5. Press A to install the module.
  6. To use the module, import it with:

    7. Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate

  8. Check for available updates with:

    9. Get-WindowsUpdate

  9. To install a specific update, use the command:

    10. Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KBNUMBER

    For example, to install KB5066835, you would run:

    Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB5066835

  11. Confirm the installation by typing A and pressing Enter.
  12. Optionally, to download and install all updates, input:

    13. Install-WindowsUpdate

    Tip: This action will also fetch optional updates, including drivers.
  13. Type A to confirm all updates.
  14. If prompted, type Y to restart your device.
  15. If needed, to view installed updates history, type:

    16. Get-WUHistory

Once you’ve followed these steps, your updates will download and install seamlessly onto your Windows 11 system.

How to Install Optional Updates

Optional updates, while not essential, can enhance various functionalities on your Windows 11 device, covering areas such as Microsoft products, system features, and third-party drivers (e.g., for printers or graphics cards).To manually install optional updates, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Click on Advanced options.
  4. Under “Additional options, ” select Optional updates.
  6. Choose the update category to see available optional updates.
  7. Select the updates you wish to install.
  9. Click “Download and install”.

Once completed, the selected packages will be installed successfully on your device.

Manually Installing Feature Updates

Feature updates are significant new versions of Windows 11. While these updates are generally optional, they will automatically install if your current version is approaching the end of service.

To manually install a feature update, use the steps below:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click the “Check for updates” button.
  4. Hit “Download & Install” for available feature updates.
  6. Finally, click Restart now to finish the installation.

In addition to using Windows Update, feature updates can be installed with the Installation Assistant or an official ISO file for a clean installation, which may help alleviate existing issues and enhance system performance.

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