🛠️ Why You Should Check Windows Updates Manually
Relying only on automatic Windows Updates may not be enough — especially when a critical zero-day vulnerability is being actively exploited, like CVE-2025-29824.
Keeping your system updated is the most basic yet essential security measure. In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to manually check for Windows Updates
- How to enable update notifications
- Why restarting your PC is crucial after updates
- What to do if updates fail
- How to set active hours to avoid forced reboots
Let’s dive in!
📌 What You'll Learn
- Manually check and install Windows Updates
- Configure notification settings to avoid missing reboots
- Understand why updates don’t apply automatically sometimes
- Keep your PC protected from vulnerabilities
- Learn about the Windows Update schedule
🔍 Step 1: Open Settings
- Click the Start menu (Windows icon)
- Select Settings (⚙️)
- Navigate to Windows Update
🔄 Step 2: Click “Check for Updates”
- Click Check for updates to force Windows to search for available patches.
- If new updates are available, they’ll start downloading automatically.
🔔 Step 3: Enable Notifications and Auto-Install Settings
Under “Advanced Options”, review these key settings:
✅ Receive updates for other Microsoft products
- Ensures apps like Microsoft Office and Edge are updated too
✅ Notify me when a restart is required to finish updating
- Prevents silent reboots and keeps you informed
✅ Automatically download updates, even during active hours
Recommended to ensure urgent patches are applied
✅ Set active hours
Choose timeframes (e.g., 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM) to avoid reboots during work
🔁 Step 4: Don’t Forget to Restart
Restarting is NOT optional.
Many security patches — especially system-level ones — only take effect after a restart.
If you don’t reboot, your system may still be vulnerable, even if updates were downloaded.
⚠️ What If Updates Fail?
If an update doesn't complete, check for:
- Low storage space
- Network interruptions
- Third-party antivirus interference
- Errors in Update History
Still stuck? You can manually download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog:
👉 https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/
📅 When Are Windows Updates Released?
Microsoft releases updates regularly on the second Tuesday of every month, also known as Patch Tuesday.
In Japan and some regions, it appears early Wednesday.
Additionally, emergency updates may be released anytime for serious vulnerabilities like zero-day exploits.
✅ Summary: Stay Safe with Manual Updates
- Don't rely entirely on automatic updates
- Regularly check for updates manually
- Enable notifications
- Restart your PC when required
- Stay aware of the update schedule
These simple actions can protect your system from malware, ransomware, and real-world threats
