How do I force Windows Update to start?

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When Microsoft rolls out Windows 11/10 feature updates, they do it in phases. It means that they are not available to everyone right away. While it is possible to force update Windows 11 or Windows 10, you should understand a few things. The rollout depends on many criteria depending on how many devices were successfully tested, driver compatibility confirmation from OEM, and hardware requirements.

There are two possibilities. One that your computer is eligible, and there is only a delay of one or two days or maybe a few hours. Secondly, there is an issue. However, since you have decided to update now, let’s find out how to force update.

How do I force Windows Update to start?

To force Windows 11/10 to Update or Upgrade you can follow these steps:

Before doing this, make sure you create a system restore point. If there is a problem, you can always rollback to the earlier version.

Next, clear the Software distribution folder which is available at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. It is best that you rename it to something else.

Now, open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. We will use wuauclt.exe. This is the Windows Update Auto Update Client and it allows you control over the functioning of the Windows Update Agent.

Type the following command and hit Enter:

wuauclt.exe /updatenow

This command will force Windows Update to check for updates, and start downloading.

Now when you go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update, you should see that Windows Update has automatically triggered checking for a new update. This will help you get through the waiting list, and the download should start anytime.

That said, here is a small risk. There is a reason why Microsoft doesn’t let everyone download Windows Updates on demand. Sometimes the update is only available for computers that have not been reported for any issue. Sometimes, there are specific driver issues.

When you either follow this method or keep hitting the download button manually, it can even roll out beta updates for your computer. So stay warned if you are going to force update Windows 11/10.

You can also force Windows 11 to upgrade immediately using the following methods:

  • Using Windows 11 Installation Assistant
  • Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) file from Microsoft
  • Create Windows 11 bootable installation media using Media Creation Tool.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware.

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  • Force Windows 10 Update: Why Need You Do That & How to Do

By Amy | Follow | Last Updated September 07, 2021

As you know, Microsoft keeps releasing Windows updates to provide new features and offer patches to known issues. The question is how to force Windows 10 update when it doesn’t update automatically. Here, MiniTool would share some methods with you.

On This Page :

Why to Force Update Windows 10

To add new features and offer patches to bugs in previous versions, Microsoft continuously releases new Windows updates. Then Windows users will have a better experience. Generally speaking, the Windows Update feature in Settings can automatically download and install the latest update for you.

However, this feature sometimes may go wrong. The following are some common issues with the Windows Update feature.

  • Windows Update stuck at 0, 100
  • Windows Update stuck on restarting
  • Windows Update stuck or frozen
  • Windows Update not working

Then you need to force update Windows 10 by yourself. How to do that? In this post, several methods will be talked about. You can pick one according to your situation to force Windows update.

Also read: Reset Windows 10/11 Password via Command Prompt, USB, and More

Method 1: Force Windows 10 Update via WuInstall

WuInstall, a Windows command line tool, makes IT administrators script Windows updates. It enables admins to enforce query, download, and installation of Windows Updates so that the whole updating process is more controlled and user-friendly.

You can use WuInstall alone or in combination with WSUS or other system management programs. With this tool, you can manage a small network with ten machines and big networks with thousands of clients or servers.

To use WuInstall, follow these steps.

Step 1: Click here to download and install WuInstall.

Tip: To get the 30-day free trial, you need to fulfil some information like email address, company name, etc. Then click the link sent in the email box to download and install the program.

Step 2: Type cmd in the search box, and then right-click on Command Prompt and tap Run as administrator.

Step 3: Then type the following commands and hit Enter after each.

  • wuinstall /search
  • wuinstall /download
  • wuinstall /install 

Step 4: Wait for the finish of update installation.

Method 2: Force Windows 10 Update via Command Line

Here’s the guide on how to force Windows 10 update

Step 1: Run Command Prompt as administrator from the search box.

Step 2: Type wuauclt.exe /updatenow and hit Enter. Then this command will force Windows to check for updates.

How do I force Windows Update to start?

Step 3: Open Settings by pressing Windows and I keys and then navigate to the Update & Security section.

Step 4: Click Windows Update > Check for updates. Then you will see the “Check for updates” message.

Step 5: Now, follow the on-screen instruction to finish the update installation process.

In conclusion, this post offers you two ways to perform Windows 10 force update. You can choose one from them to force update Windows 10.

In addition to the above methods, you can also use tools like Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to install or update the latest version of Windows 10. Alternatively, you can use a Windows migration tool to get the newest version of Windows 10. For instance, the Migrate OS to SSD/HD feature of MiniTool Partition Wizard can help you do that with ease.

About The Author

How do I force Windows Update to start?

Position: Columnist

Having writing articles about computer tech for a long time, I am rather experienced especially on the aspect of computer optimization, PC enhancement, as well as tech terms explanation. The habit of looking through tech forums makes me a great computer issues collector. And then, many articles related to these issues are released, which benefit plenty of users. Professional, effective, and innovative are always the pursuit of an editing worker.

How do I force a Windows 10 Update?

To refresh Group Policy on the local computer At the PowerShell prompt, type gpupdate , and then press Enter .

What do I do if Windows Update is not running?

Method 1 - Run Update Troubleshooter Type troubleshoot in the Windows Search bar and click on the Troubleshooting option. Press Fix problems with Windows Update and then Next. Restart your computer and run the service again to see if the problem has been fixed.