To download and install major Windows updates (the upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, for example), you need to not only have all other Windows updates available for your computer installed but also need to have the latest version of the Windows Update Agent. The Windows Update Agent is the Windows utility that handles every operation about Windows Updates – from checking for them to downloading and installing them. If you don’t have the latest available version of the Windows Update Agent, for some reason, you are going to have to get it, one way or another.
There used to be two different ways you could update the Windows Update Agent to its latest version – you could either do it manually or automatically. Automatically updating the Windows Update Agent simply refers to turning automatic updates on – when you do so, all-important updates available for your computer and automatically downloaded and installed, and since updates for the Windows Update Agent count as important updates, they are too. On the flip side, you could, in the past, get the latest version of the Windows Update Agent by manually downloading a signed installer for it from Microsoft and then installing it. However, Microsoft no longer offers downloadable stand-alone packages containing installers for the latest versions of the Windows Update Agent.
That being the case, here’s how you can automatically update the Windows Update Agent to the latest available version. First and foremost, you need to make sure that automatic updating is enabled on your computer. To do so:
On Windows 7
- Open the Start Menu.
- Search for “turn automatic updating on or off“.
- Click on the search result titled Turn automatic updating on or off.
Search for turn automatic updating on or off - Open the dropdown menu under the Important updates section and click on Install updates automatically (recommended) to select it.
Select Install updates automatically (recommended) - Enable the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates option by checking the checkbox located directly beside it.
- Click on OK to save the changes you’ve made.
Check the Option of Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates
On Windows 8/8.1
- Open the Charms bar by pressing the Windows logo key + C or simply hovering your mouse in the bottom-right corner of your Desktop.
- Click on Settings.
- Click on Control Panel.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click on Change settings.
- Open the dropdown menu under the Important updates section and click on Install updates automatically (recommended) to select it.
- Enable the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates option by checking the checkbox located directly beside it.
- Click on OK to save the changes you’ve made.
Once you have made sure that your computer is configured to download and install Windows updates automatically, you need to:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open a Run dialog.
- Type services.msc into the Run dialog and press Enter to launch the Services manager.
Run services.msc - Scroll down the list of services on your computer and locate and right-click on the Windows Update service.
- Click on Stop.
Stop Windows Update Service - Right-click on the Windows Update service once again.
- Click on Start.
Start Windows Update Service - Close the Services manager and launch Windows Update.
- Once Windows Update starts up, check to see if the latest available version of the Windows Update Agent has been downloaded and installed.
Kevin Arrows
Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
You can manage your Windows Update Agent through the Control Panel applet, Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, and Windows PowerShell. The agent allows you to set up your PC to download and install important updates and recommended software. In previous versions of Windows, you could only find this software on the Windows Update web site. However, you can also use the Windows Update Agent manually to ensure your computer is always up to date.
The Windows Update Agent is a very important part of your PC’s health. If your Windows Update Agent is outdated, you may experience a system error that prevents your PC from automatically installing new updates. Here’s how to update it manually:
First, you must access the Control panel. Type “control panel” into the Windows search bar. Once you are there, click the help link in the System and Security settings. Next, click Troubleshoot issues with Windows Update. Once you’ve resolved the problem, you can install the latest Windows Update agent. Once you install the latest version, make sure to restart your PC. Once the update is complete, you can then install any other updates needed.
What is the Windows Update Agent?
The Windows Update Agent is a piece of software that is installed on your computer when you install updates. It connects with the Microsoft update server and detects which updates are available for your computer. This software will also download and install other programs that have updated versions of their code. It is a core component of Windows and can be found in all versions of the operating system. This application is essential for a stable and secure computer.
You can open the Windows Update program by double-clicking it or clicking the File tab. You can then select the Uninstall Update option, and then click Yes to confirm the removal. Alternatively, you can use the msconfig utility to open the Startup Files window. Once there, locate and uncheck the box next to “Windows Update Agent.”
How Do You Update Windows 7 Updates?
Whether you use Windows 7 for business or personal use, you need to update your operating system to stay secure. Using older versions of Windows can lead to security holes that hackers can use to steal your personal information. Also, new software is better suited to updated versions of Windows. Updated versions of Windows work more smoothly and effectively, and Microsoft regularly makes improvements to the operating system to make it even better. To update Windows, follow these simple steps.
To update your Windows 7 operating system, visit the Microsoft Download Center. To do so, choose your version of Windows 7 and click the download button. Click on the 64-bit option and choose ‘Download package now’. This will download a newer version of the update for your system. In most cases, the update will download and install automatically, but if you have any problems, you may need to manually install it.
How Do I Upgrade to Windows 20H2?
Before you upgrade your PC, you need to download a new version of Windows called “enablement package” (the 20H2 build). This update will activate new features added to Windows since 2004. You will have to reinstall the OS and reboot the computer once it is done. Before upgrading, you should back up any important files and documents. In some cases, the upgrade may cause unexpected problems. This is why it’s important to backup your system completely before upgrading.
In order to upgrade your PC to Windows 10 version 20H2, you will need to download a media creation tool. Once you have downloaded the tool, you will need to accept the terms and conditions before installing the software on your PC. Next, you’ll need to choose the language and architecture of your PC. After selecting these, you’ll need to select a location to save your copy of Windows 10 version 20H2.
How Do I Reinstall Windows Update?
In case the Windows update you’re trying to install has failed to download or install, you can revert it. To do so, open the Control Panel and find the Update and Security tab. From here, you can click View update history or uninstall updates, as appropriate. The uninstallation process may take a few minutes. After it is done, reinstall Windows updates as necessary to get them working again.
The first step to reinstall Windows updates is to find the folder that contains the files for Windows SoftwareDistribution. These files are located in C:/Windows, in the SoftwareDistribution folder. Make sure to remove the folder before continuing. After you’ve removed the updates, you can run a command to delete the files. It may take a few hours, so be patient. If you’ve already installed some updates, wait a few hours before attempting the process again.
If the update fails to install, try using Safe Mode. This mode is similar to restart, but it loads basic apps and code. This minimizes the risk of rogue files interfering with the update. To access Safe Mode, click Start at the Windows sign-in screen. Next, click System Protection, then click System Restore. From there, you’ll see a list of all previous restore points.
How Do I Install Windows Standalone Updates?
Sometimes, the Windows Update Standalone Installer will be stuck on the “Searching for updates” stage. If this is the case, try running the update utility from an administrator account. If this still doesn’t work, try using a command-line utility to check for updates. If none are listed, restart Windows to see if it is the problem. Once this has been resolved, you can move on to installing updates.
To download a standalone installer, visit Microsoft’s website and double-click on it. Then, place the downloaded file in a folder on your PC. Double-click the file to begin the installation process. The process may take a few minutes. You can try to delete a few unnecessary files if necessary to free up space on your PC. You can also use File Explorer or This PC to check how much free space you have on your hard drive.
Another option is to download the update manually. This is a bit more time consuming than downloading the update through Windows Update, so be sure to keep this in mind if you’re working on a deadline. You should also keep in mind that the update is only available once every two weeks, so it is important to pay attention to the schedule. Besides, new vulnerabilities are discovered every day. If you have a lot of files on your computer, it’s a good idea to install all updates manually.
How Do I Enable Windows Update in the Registry?
Open the registry editor and find the “WindowsUpdate” sub-key. Click “New” and type the value “NoWindowsUpdate” into the text box. Click OK to confirm the changes. This will disable Windows Update from detecting and installing updates. After doing so, restart your computer to make any changes permanent. It will take a while until Windows will recognize that the new value has been created. To enable Windows Update again, repeat these steps.
Another registry value controls whether Microsoft recommends that you install updates when you’re not logged in as an administrator. It can be set to “auto” or “never” so that Windows will detect and download updates only when you log in as a non-administrator. By setting this registry value, you can manually initiate Windows updates, or you can choose to allow the process to automatically run without your intervention.
The next step is to edit the corresponding registry entry. This section is called the Local Group Policy Editor. Double-click it and change the Enabled option. Click on “Apply” to make the change take effect. If you don’t want Windows to download updates automatically, you can choose to enable notifications. If you don’t have an Active Directory, you can change this setting to “Auto-check for updates” instead.
How Can I Update Windows 7 After 2020?
If you are still using a computer that runs Windows 7, you will need to figure out how to update Windows 7 after 2020. You’ll have to upgrade, or pay for extended support, if you want to get regular updates. Microsoft has already discontinued software updates for Windows 7 in January 2020, and that means you will no longer receive free security updates. While you may still have a Windows 7 device sitting in your home, you’ll probably be inactive after that date.
If you are still running Windows 7, you can buy an EOL extension from Microsoft for the next five years. The EOL action was originally supposed to occur in 2015, but Microsoft has extended it by five years. This has largely been due to the reluctance of Win7 users to upgrade. But if you don’t upgrade, your computer could face malware attacks, system lags, and other security threats.
Learn More Here:
1.) Windows Help Center
2.) Windows – Wikipedia
3.) Windows Blog
4.) Windows Central
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- Download and install the software.
- It will scan your computer for problems.
- The tool will then fix the issues that were found.
Microsoft today announced the availability of an update to the Windows Update (WU) client that addresses a vulnerability that could allow remote code execution.
This update will help protect against exploits that target vulnerabilities in the Windows User Account Control (WU/MU) client.
Users are encouraged to apply this update as soon as it becomes available.
Error 0x800f0831 when installing an update – Configuration Manager
The Windows Update Troubleshooter tool is designed to help you troubleshoot problems with Microsoft products such as Windows 10, Office 365, Exchange Online, Skype for Business, etc. This tool scans your computer for common errors and helps resolve them automatically. You don’t need to do anything special to use it; just run the tool once and let it work its magic. If it doesn’t find any issues, it won’t report any errors either. However, if there are some issues found during scanning, it will show you what needs to be fixed.
If you’re having trouble downloading updates, try checking your internet connection speed and bandwidth. Also check whether your firewall software is blocking the download process. In case you’re unable to install updates manually, contact our support team. We’ll assist you with the installation of updates manually.
Servicing stack updates – Windows Deployment
Microsoft is planning to end support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2020, three months earlier than originally planned. This change affects devices such as PCs, tablets, and smartphones that run Windows 8.1 or older versions of Windows RT.
The company says it plans to continue supporting Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012 R2 until April 12, 2025.
Windows 9, meanwhile, will be focused on improving the core operating system rather than adding new features. As a result, Microsoft is no longer planning to release a major update to Windows 9 every year. Instead, it will take about 18 months to release a feature update to Windows 9 each year.
Users who are still running Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Professional, Windows 10 Enterprise, or Windows Server 2016. If you’re already running one of those operating systems, you’ll receive automatic upgrades to the newest version of Windows. However, you won’t be able to install the latest version of Windows without purchasing a new device.
If you’re looking to purchase a PC, tablet, smartphone, or laptop, make sure to check out our guide on how to choose the best Windows device.
WSUS and the Catalog Site
Microsoft recommends deploying this update through WSUS. If you are already running it, you do not need to perform any additional actions. However, if you are not familiar with WSUS, we recommend reading our article about how to deploy patches via WSUS.
This update includes fixes for issues affecting PCs that install certain programs. These include Adobe Reader, Java Runtime Environment 7u51, Oracle VirtualBox 4.3, and VMware Workstation 10.1. The list of affected products will change over time as new versions become available.
If you experience problems while updating, please refer to KB2919355 for information on troubleshooting.
This update contains new functionality for Microsoft Office 2013 ProPlus. You can use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access, InfoPath, Project, Visio, FrontPage, SharePoint Designer, and Lync 2010 to open files stored in different file formats. For example, you can now open.docx,.pptx, and.rtf files.
This update provides security enhancements for IE11. Security vulnerabilities that affect Internet Explorer 11 are addressed in this release. We encourage customers to apply this update without delay.
For more information about the changes included in this update, see the Knowledge Base Article titled “What’s New in Windows Server 2012 R2.”
Updated: May 2025
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Standard terminology explained: Windows Client
The Windows client is one of the most important parts of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. This article describes the basic terms used to describe the Windows client.
A computer running the Windows operating system is called a Windows client. A device that runs the Windows operating system is referred to as a Windows client.
Windows clients include computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, embedded devices, and more.
In addition to being able to run programs, Windows clients can access online resources such as email, web sites, social media, and cloud storage. They can play games and watch videos. Some Windows clients can even connect to printers and scanners.
A computer that connects to the Internet via a network cable or Wi-Fi connection is known as a client. Computers that do not connect to the Internet are not considered clients.
A computer that does not use the internet is called a server. Servers are often used to store data and provide remote access to files and applications.
A program that helps people manage information about their computers is called an update agent. An update agent automatically checks for software updates and downloads those that are needed.
More Windows Update – Windows Client information
Windows Update Client is now available for download via Windows Store.
This update does NOT contain any changes to Windows Server and Windows RT.
DISM or the System Update Readiness tool can be used to fix problems with Windows Update.
Windows Update is one of those essential tools we rely on every day. But sometimes it doesn’t work properly. This article provides instructions for fixing common problems with Windows Update.
To use the troubleshooter, you must have administrative privileges on the computer. If you’re having trouble updating Microsoft Office 2016, follow the steps here.
The following are some common causes of Windows Update failures:
1. Your network connection isn’t working correctly. Try disabling automatic updates temporarily and see if it resolves the issue.
2. There might be a conflict with third party software installed on your system. To resolve conflicts, uninstall the conflicting software.
3. Make sure there aren’t any viruses or malware infections on your PC.
RECOMMENATION: Click here for help with Windows errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Windows Update Agent work?
Windows 10 uses an update agent to keep your computer up to date. This article explains how the update agent works and what it does.
The update agent keeps track of the latest updates available for your computer and downloads them automatically. You don’t have to do anything special to use it. If there are updates available, the update agent checks whether you want to install them. If you choose to install them, the update agent installs them for you.
However, doing so might cause some problems. For example, some programs might not work properly because they depend on the most recent version of certain software components.
However, doing so won’t prevent the update agent from downloading updates.
How to find out what version of Windows Update Agent is installed?
Microsoft announced that it will stop distributing software updates via manual downloads. Instead, the company will distribute updates through peer-to-peer networks. This change will take place over the next few months.
The update process will be automated, meaning you won’t be able to download or unzip files anymore. However, you’ll still be able to use Windows Update Manager to select updates.
This new feature will provide better protection against viruses and malware. In addition, it will improve system performance and reduce bandwidth usage.
You can now access Windows Update for Business directly from the Start menu. Then scroll down to “Update history.”
In both cases, you’ll see a list of recent updates. Clicking on one of those updates will show you the full changelog.
To learn how to set up Windows Update for Business, head to our guide here.
2. Download the latest update for the windows update client
This should be the first step in the troubleshooting process, especially if your windows 7 operating system is a fresh or new installation and this is the first time you are checking for windows updates.
The Windows update catalog for windows 7 is now very extensive, the increased size of the catalog has introduced some problems for the windows update client which have been addressed in updates for the client. In normal behavior the Windows Update Client will usually download updates for itself before it begins to download other updates, however, with this problem this update does not always occur.
You should always download and install the latest update to the Windows Update Client for best results.
The latest available update (June 2016) is included in the following Rollup Pack:
- July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1
July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
I have included below the direct links to Microsoft’s download centre for the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the update.
- July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit)
Note: For best results use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download from the Microsoft download centre
Update for Windows 7 (KB3172605) - July 2016 update rollup for Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit)
Note: For best results use Microsoft Internet Explorer to download from the Microsoft download centre
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3172605)
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Windows Update Agent can scan your computer and determine which version of Windows you are running. This post provides information about Windows Update Agent. You can know what it is, how it works, and how to update & reset it on Windows 7/10.
What Is Windows Update Agent
Windows Update Agent is an agent program, which was first introduced for Windows Vista. It is used with Windows Server Update Services to automatically provide patches and it can scan your computer and determine which version of Windows you are running. Then, the update agent can push new updates to your PC.
Tip: To learn more information about Windows update, please go to the MiniTool official website.
You’re can manage the Windows Update Agent in Control Panel, Settings application, Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, Windows PowerShell. Windows Update Agent is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
5 Part of Windows Update Agent
Microsoft defines 5 important parts in the Windows Update Agent.
Service Availability: It is the part of detecting, downloading, and installing Windows updates. It also handles the updates of some other programs.
Server Connectivity: It is an API (application programming interface). It connects your computer to the location that Microsoft uses to deliver updates.
Update Detection: Scan your computer regularly for updates automatically.
Update Downloads: Download available downloads and mandatory updates from a secure location used by Microsoft.
Update Installation: Installs the available updates.
How to Check Which Version of Windows Update Agent Is Installed
How to check which version of the Windows Update Agent tool is installed? Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Use API in WinHTTP and download Wuredist.cab.
Step 2: Use Cryptography Functions to check if the file has a Microsoft digital signature. If not, don’t use it.
Step 3: Use the file decompression interface API to extract XML files in Wuredist.cab.
Step 4: Determine which architecture your computer is using. If you don’t know how to determine, refer to this post – Is My Computer 64 Bit or 32 Bit? Try the 5 Ways to Judge out.
Step 5: Call IWindowsUpdateAgentInfo::GetInfo to determine the current version of the Windows Update Agent.
How Does Windows Update Agent Work
Windows Update Agent searches and downloads updates from trusted Microsoft sources. This includes:
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server
- Microsoft’s updated websites
- Peer to peer distribution (Windows 10)
Once the update agent detects a new update missing from the computer, it will start working. You don’t have to spend any time searching for updates and trying to determine which updates to install.
How to Update Windows Update Agent
Microsoft has released the update for its Windows update agent which has a couple of bug fixes. The download links are given below:
Windows 8: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/kb/3138615
Windows 7: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3138612
To get more information, read How to Update the Windows Update Agent to the Latest Version.
After downloading the corresponding version, you’ll see an MSU file in your download folder. But before you run this MSU file you must ensure that the Windows update agent is not running. Otherwise, it would not allow you to install this update.
To disable Windows update agent before installation:
- Run Command Prompt as administrator.
- In the command line window, type net stop wuauserv and press the Enter key.
After installing the update and restarting the system, again try to update Windows.
How to Uninstall Windows Update Agent
How to uninstall Windows Update Agent? Here is a guide.
Step 1: Click the Start menu at the bottom right side of the toolbar.
Step 2: Go to Program Files and look for Windows Update. If Windows Update is not listed in your Program Files, click Control Panel in the Start menu.
Step 3: Double-click Windows Update to open it. Then, click the File tab.
Step 4: Select Uninstall Update to uninstall the Windows Update Agent. Then, click Yes.
Step 5: Type msconfig in the Run box. This opens a window that contains your startup files. Step 6: Click the StartUp tab and scroll down to find Windows Update. Uncheck the Update box, then click Apply and choose Close.
Step 7: At last, you need to click Restart.
Final Words
To sum up, here is all the information about Windows Update Agent. I hope that this post can be helpful to you.