How To Update Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest operating system release from Microsoft and promises to outperform its beloved predecessors. Like previous versions, it allows users to update their systems to improve performance and reliability.

This article will discuss manual and automatic updates in Windows 11 and walk you through updating drivers. We’ll also cover switching from Windows 11 Home to the Pro edition. Read on to learn more.

How to Update Windows 11

Like other Windows products, this operating system automatically downloads and installs software updates. You might not notice the changes until you restart your PC since all updates require a system reboot to implement them.

If you suspect your PC has failed to detect new updates, you can access the Windows Security Center and schedule an update. Follow the below instructions to do so.

1. Right click “Start” and tap “Run.”
   
2. Type “wscui.cpl” in the appropriate field and click on the “OK” button.
   
3. Select “Automatic Maintenance.”
   
4. The action will generate the following options:

• Automatic
  This is the recommended option that lets users select the date and time the program will download and install updates.
• Download updates for me
  This option enables the software to download updates. However, it requires user permission to install them.
• Notify me
  Selecting this option allows the system to alert you when new updates are available. User interaction is necessary for downloading and installing them.
• Turn off Automatic Updates
  The final option deactivates Automatic Updates. You’ll receive a link directing you to the Windows Update Web page. Here you can manually choose and install updates.
• After examining the options, click “Automatic.”
  When scheduling an automatic update, ensure you’ve selected a time when you won’t need to use your device.

You can apply updates through the Settings app if you don’t want to tinker with the Windows Security Center. Follow the below steps to do so.

1. Press the “Windows + I” shortcut to launch the Settings app.
   
2. Head to the left sidebar and find “Windows Update.”
   
3. Tap the “Check for Updates” option. The program should automatically detect and download any available updates.
   
4. Press “Install now.” After the app installs the update, it will prompt you to reboot your PC.
   

Restart the computer to activate the update instantly.

Another way to manually install updates in Windows 11 is by downloading and running the MSU file. This update file works like most EXE programs and is handy for resolving the “Undoing changes” error. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Tap “Windows + I” to open Settings and navigate to “Windows Update.”
   
2. You should find the update pack number beneath the “Error encountered” section.
3. Launch your preferred web browser and head to catalog.update.microsoft.com.
   
4. Type the update pack number into the search bar and press “Enter.”
   
5. The page will display all available updates compatible with your update pack.
   
6. Download the update your system supports. (Most users have an x64 system.)
   
7. After downloading the required update, double tap the MSU file to initiate the installation.

Once the process is finished, restart your PC to enjoy the latest Windows 11 build.

You might want to take advantage of the Installation Assistant to update your system to the newest build without waiting for automatic updates. Follow the below steps to complete the task.

1. Visit this page to download the Installation Assistant.
2. Tap the downloaded file to run the app and allow it to detect updates.
3. The program window will generate onscreen instructions to help you download updates.
4. After completing the download, reboot the computer to implement the changes.
   

If your PC doesn’t have a TPM chip, you can bypass the issue and update Windows using the Rufus utility. Note that this method requires a clean install of Windows. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO image from this page.
   
2. Visit this page to download and install the Rufus utility.
   
3. Launch the program and insert a thumb drive into your computer.
   
4. After Rufus detects the thumb drive, tap “Select.”
   
5. Pick the ISO image of Windows 11.
6. Head beneath the “Image Option” section and press the drop-down menu.
   
7. Select “Extended Windows 11 Installation” from the list of options.
   
8. Tap the “Start” button in the lower right of the window.
   
9. After the process is done, exit Rufus and restart the computer.
   
10. As Windows is restarting, tap the boot key repeatedly.

Note that you need to press the “Esc” key on HP laptops to access the Startup menu. For other laptops, you should be able to use one of the following boot keys: F9, F10, or F12.

Now you perform a clean installation of Windows 11.

1. Choose the thumb drive where you stored the ISO image and press “Enter.”
   
2. Pick the partition where you wish to install Windows from the “Windows Installer” window.
   
3. Wait a few minutes until the installation is complete.
4. Restart your computer.
   

How to Update Windows 11 Drivers

Updating drivers ensures that your hardware and software are well-connected. The simplest way to update drivers in Windows 11 is through the Settings app.

1. Launch Settings and navigate to the left pane.
   
2. Head to the “Windows Update” tab and press “Check for Updates.”
   
3. After the computer finishes downloading the updates, tap “Install Now.”
   
4. Reboot your PC.
   

Another handy tool for driver updates in Windows 11 is the Device Manager. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hover your cursor over the “Start” button and right-click.
   
2. Go through the Context menu and choose “Device Manager.”
   
3. The new window will display all installed drivers.
   
4. Find the component you wish to update and right-click.
   
5. Choose “Update Driver” from the list of options.
   
6. Unless you have the newest driver versions, press “Search automatically for drivers.”
   

The updates will become active after you restart your PC.

You can also update the drivers manually. All you need to do is open the manufacturer’s web page and download the latest version.

How to Update Windows 11 to Pro

Windows 11 comes in two editions. The first is the Home Edition, which caters to most users, from office workers to gamers, and contains all the essential Windows features.

The other, the Pro edition offers more advanced features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Group Policy, Active Directory support, and more. It’s more suitable for small businesses. But if you’re curious about what the Pro version has to offer, there are two ways you can activate it.

The first method involves the Settings app.

1. Launch “Settings” and press “System.”
   
2. Tap the “Activation” section.
   
3. Navigate to “Change product key” and hit the “Change” button.
   
4. Confirm your product key to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
   
5. Click “Next” and press “Start.”
   

You can also upgrade the Home edition by purchasing Windows 11 Pro from the Microsoft Store.

1. Open the Settings and choose the “Activation” page.
   
2. Navigate to “Upgrade in this Microsoft app” and press “Open Store.”
   
3. Click on “Buy” and follow the onscreen instruction to complete the upgrade process.
   

Whether you’ve used the product key or Microsoft Store, you’ll need to wait about 30 minutes until your system switches to Windows 11 Pro.

Seamlessly Update Windows 11

Modifying software can be daunting, especially if you’re unconfident about your tech skills. Fortunately, Windows 11 is one of Microsoft’s most user-friendly programs, and you should be able to tackle automatic and manual updates without difficulty. While installing new updates, check your drivers and see whether new versions are available. Installing them takes only a few clicks. And if you’re dissatisfied with the Windows 11 Home experience, you can switch to the Pro edition in under 30 minutes.

Do you rely on automatic updates, or do you prefer to install them manually? Have you considered switching to Windows 11 Pro? Which of its features do you like the most? Let us know in the comments section below.