Windows 10 or 11 Update Process

Windows 10 and 11 updates are settling into a pattern of two major releases each year, where the number associated with the update is YYMM.  In addition to this schedule, they have created a clearer time-line for when older updates no longer receive security patches.  This means users will need to make sure their computer stays up-to-date, and if it is stuck on an older release, they will need to help move their computer through the update process.

How to Check for Updates

  1. Connect to Carleton's Internet network (if you're off campus, connect to the GlobalProtect VPN (link opens in a new tab))
  2. Follow the steps on Window's website: Update Windows 10 or 11 (link opens in a new tab) 
  3. IMPORTANT: Anytime you see a "reboot now" prompt, you need to click it - think within minutes, not within hours.  This helps keep the process moving and minimizes the risk of stalling
  4. Repeat until the computer status is up to date (connecting to the VPN after each reboot if you are off campus)

Tips to Stay Up-to-Date

Update Time Requirements
The longest updates rarely take more than one hour, if the computer is fully up-to-date, on campus, and connected to the wired Ethernet connection. Updating frequently minimizes the disruption and increases protection against security threats.
  • A restart rather than a shut-down offers the best chance for your computer to run updates.  

  • If you need to take your computer with you regularly, or prefer shutting it down when not in use, try one of the following options:

    1. Schedule one night a week where you choose to restart rather than shut down

    2. Restart when you take lunch each day, or if you have a long meeting that doesn't require your computer

  • For the truly proactive among you: once a month, check for updates manually. If you've done the above, there likely will not be any, but it will catch them if they haven't processed automatically.

  • There may be more updates that are hidden.

    • The check for updates checks our Carleton Windows Update Server for Operating System updates. 

    • Once Windows is updated to current, it is important to check for hardware driver updates. 

    • To check for hardware driver updates on Windows 10, open the Device manager, navigate to the specific device you want to check, right-click it, and select Update Driver. You then want to chose search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows scan for available updates; you can also access driver updates through Windows Update settings by checking for updates regularly.

 

 

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