Windows

How to correctly update Windows and what to do in case of errors

Posted on by Kineticstar
14
Nov

💾 Fearless Windows Update: The Complete Guide to Updating Your PC (and Fixing Every Error) 🛡️

 

(How to make your computer safer and faster, reducing the risk of crashes to zero)

Friends, welcome to a topic that makes many people’s hearts pound, but which is actually your best ally: Windows Updates.

I know, the “Update and Restart” icon can seem like a threat, and the thought of getting stuck on a blue screen is a common nightmare. But believe me: updates are not just new features; they are your computer’s immune system. Without them, your PC is an open door for viruses and attacks.

As a technician, journalist, and popularizer, I will guide you through the perfect strategy. We will see how to prepare, how to update correctly (both small updates and large Feature Updates like the transition from Windows 10 to 11), and above all, how to solve problems if something goes wrong.

Get ready to become a Windows Update master, managing your PC’s security with a professional’s calm!

 

🧭 Phase 1: Preparation (The Foundation of a Perfect Update)

 

Before hitting “Download and Install,” a true professional runs a small checklist. This phase reduces the risk of crashes and subsequent problems by 90%.

  1. Perform a Full Data Backup This is the most important step. If the update fails, your files must be safe.

  • The Bare Minimum: Ensure your most important files (documents, photos) are synced to OneDrive or another cloud.

  • Total Security: Create a System Image Backup or copy your files to an external drive.

  1. Free Up Disk Space (The PC’s Diet) A C: drive that is too full is one of the main causes of update failure, especially for large Feature Updates (which require at least 30 GB free).

  • Run a Disk Cleanup or activate Storage Sense to eliminate all temporary files and digital junk we saw previously.

  1. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus (Temporarily) This is one of the most counter-intuitive, but crucial, moves.

  • The Problem: Antivirus programs external to Microsoft (e.g., AVG, Avast, Kaspersky) sometimes interfere with the installation of new system files.

  • The Solution: Temporarily uninstall the antivirus. Your PC will not be exposed because Windows’ integrated security system, Defender, will immediately take its place. You can reinstall your preferred antivirus after the update is complete and the PC has restarted.

  1. Disconnect the Superfluous Disconnect all non-essential peripherals: printers, scanners, external hard drives (except the one for backup if you are running it), external webcams. Leave only the monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

 

💻 Phase 2: Running the Update Correctly

 

Once your PC is “mission-ready,” proceed with the update.

  1. Minor Updates (Monthly Security Patches) These are the classic cumulative updates, essential for security, that happen every month.

  2. Go to Start (the Windows icon) or press Windows + I to open Settings.

  3. Click on Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11).

  4. Click on “Check for updates.”

  5. If available, let them download. Windows will automatically handle the installation upon restart.

  6. Major Updates (Feature Updates and Transition to Windows 11) These are the updates that change the Windows version (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or from 22H2 to 23H2). They require more time and attention.

  • Check Compatibility (Windows 11 Only): If you are transitioning from Windows 10 to 11, search for the “PC Health Check” app on the Microsoft website. Run it to see if your PC meets the system requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.).

  • Proceed with Installation: If your PC is eligible, the update to Windows 11 will appear in Windows Update with a large “Download and install” button. Follow the on-screen instructions and be patient: these updates can take more than an hour.

Golden Tip: If you are updating a laptop, always plug in the power adapter! A dead battery halfway through installation is a guaranteed disaster.

 

🆘 Phase 3: What to Do If Errors Occur (The Technician’s Troubleshooting)

 

It happens: the update gets stuck, an error code appears, or the download is interrupted. Don’t panic! There is a scale of solutions, from the simplest to the most drastic.

 

Level 1: Quick Fixes (90% of Cases)

 

A. Restart the PC The most trivial solution is often the most effective. Sometimes, a service gets stuck. Restart the PC and try checking for updates again.

B. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter Windows has an internal “doctor” for updates:

  1. Open Settings and go to:

    • Windows 11: System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

    • Windows 10: Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

  2. Find “Windows Update” and click “Run.”

  3. Let the tool analyze the system and attempt to automatically repair the blocks.

 

Level 2: Deep Repair (Command Prompt)

 

If problems persist, it means there are corrupted system files. We use Windows’ repair tools (they require using the Command Prompt, but I will guide you precisely).

  1. Search “cmd” in the Start menu. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”

  2. Run these two powerful commands, one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

    • System File Check and Restore (SFC):

      Bash
       
      sfc /scannow

    • System Image Restore (DISM):

      Bash
       
      DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

⚠️ ATTENTION to Execution Times: These commands can take many minutes (sometimes more than fifteen minutes) to run, and the progress bar may appear stuck for a while. Do not close the window until you see the 100% completion message.

  1. After both are finished, restart the PC and try running the update again.

 

Level 3: Conservative Reinstallation (The Last Resort)

 

If even the advanced commands fail, you can reinstall Windows without losing your files.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

  2. Under the “Recovery options” heading, find “Reset this PC” and click “Get started.”

  3. Choose the “Keep my files” option.

  • Windows will reinstall itself, fixing all system and update errors, but keeping your personal documents intact.

If you have followed these steps, your Windows PC is now more up-to-date, faster, and protected against the latest vulnerabilities. Remember: a well-maintained PC is a PC that lasts!

Kineticstar