// WINDOWS

How to Update Windows Safely

Windows updates keep you secure and fix bugs — but nobody wants one restarting mid-task. Here is how to install updates safely, on your terms, with no nasty surprises.

Published 16 June 2026 · Windows · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995

Updates matter: many close security holes that scammers and viruses rely on. The trick is doing them calmly, at a time that suits you, with a safety net in place.

Installing updates the easy way

Save your work and close your apps first. Then go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Let them download and install, and set your active hours so Windows never restarts while you are in the middle of something. When it asks to restart to finish, do it when you are ready.

Stay safe around big updates

Before a large feature update, make sure you have a backup — just in case. Keep your apps updated too, not just Windows. If an update ever causes a problem, don’t worry: our guide on why updates sometimes break things explains why, and we can put it right. On a monthly plan we handle all of this for you.

Key points

  • Save your work and close apps first
  • Go to Settings then Windows Update
  • Click Check for updates and let them install
  • Set active hours so it does not restart mid-task
  • Restart when prompted to finish installing
  • Keep your apps updated too, not just Windows
  • Make sure you have a backup before big updates

Prefer to let us handle it? Our monthly IT support plans include this and much more, from £18.25/month per computer — with a friendly techie on hand whenever you need one. Call 01202 775566 or view our plans.

// GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently asked

Why do Windows updates take so long?

Big updates download and install a lot in the background. Leave plenty of time, keep the PC plugged in, and use active hours so it restarts when convenient.

Can I stop updates restarting my PC?

You can’t skip security updates (and shouldn’t), but setting active hours stops Windows restarting while you are using it.

An update caused a problem — what do I do?

Most update issues are quickly fixed. See why updates break things, or get in touch and we’ll sort it.

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