How-To do the Windows 10 Update

 Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do the Windows Update for Windows 10?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning off Automatic updates

Where is Windows Update in Windows 10? 

In Windows 10 your windows update normally runs by itself, and doesn't always need prompting like older operating systems.  They call this automatic updates.  I will also show you how to do the Windows 10 update manually as well.  

You will know something happened with your automatic updates when in your task bar you see the symbols below!

In my taskbar over close to the clock and calendar?  You see the symbol above with the orange dot inside of it.  If you hover over the symbol?  It tells you that Windows 10 Update has taken place, and your computer needs to be restarted in order to install it.  Your done!  Windows 10 is nice that way.

Now if you STILL want to manually check for Windows 10 Updates?  Which I do from time to time anyway, and most people should as well.

Windows updates are in the SETTINGS section of your Windows 10 computer.  We can get to the Windows Update directly, or go to SETTINGS and find the Windows Update Section.

Let's go direct first!

Go to your start button (red arrow) , and type in windows update next to the magnifying glass (you may have to click inside the box before starting to type).  You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

Notice at the top it says, "Check For Updates".  This will automatically take you to the Windows 10 Update Screen when you click on it.  

The second way - or indirect way - to go to Windows Update in the SETTINGS Section seen below:

 

You can go directly to settings in two ways.  One is to push the start button (Yellow circle), and click on the 'settings' icon.  I moved my settings icon to the task bar at the bottom.  Red Arrow (or my attempt at an arrow) points to the settings icon.  The settings icon looks like a gear or a strange wheel.  

Once you have found settings, and clicked on it?  A new window will open that looks similar to the one below.   This is SETTINGS.  Look at my row on the bottom, and you will see UPDATE & SECURITY  That is where your Windows 10 Update is.

How do you install the Window’s updates?

Click on Update & Security.  This will bring you to the Windows 10 Update Section!

If you do NOT have any updates the screen will tell you that, but if you see below?  I do have update.  We will deal with the optional updates as well, but first this is what I do on this screen.

Before I click UPDATE NOW I click on the left hand side of the screen that says WINDOWS UPDATE just to be sure I have the most up to date information.  

Sometimes Windows 10 Updates stay the same as the picture below, and other times it add additional updates.  It could also install the updates it noted on the screen, and now it shows NO updates at this time.  

Now that I have completed the above?  I look at my optional updates.

What are optional updates?

Right underneath the UPDATE NOW (see picture above) you will see the OPTIONAL QUALITY UPDATE AVAILABLE section.  Underneath that you will see VIEW ALL OPTIONAL UPDATES in the blue letters.  It will take you to another Windows Update Screen

Keep in mind at times you will have updates, and other times you may not.  It depends on what Microsoft wants to send out.

Since I have some optional updates?  Let's move forward!

I will click the WINDOWS UPDATE option as seen above with the check mark.  If you click that down arrow (circled in red) next to Windows Updates or Driver Updates it will reveal a list for you to choose from.  Again, sometimes you have one or many...or nothing at all.

Let's look at the Drivers Updates:

If I'm having issues with the Display?  I might pick the first option under Driver Updates since it says its a Display driver.  If you are having problems with sound?  Find your sound drivers.  If you aren't having any problems?  I don't personally fix something that isn't broken.  

Let's install my Optional Windows Update!

Above the HOUSE icon at the very top next to the word OPTIONAL UPDATES you should see an arrow with the word SETTINGS, and that will send you back to the previous screen with were on before.  Now we are back to the Windows Update section!

You will notice two things above.  1)  My screen says I'm up to date for the Windows Update, and 2)  The optional update on the last screen is presented to me under the OPTIONAL QUALITY UPDATE AVAILABLE since I selected it.

As I mentioned before sometimes Windows updates without your prompting it too.  I did have a Windows Update, but when we went to the Optional Update Section?  Windows installed it for me!

I do still want to install the optional update, and if you look at the blue lettering again?  It gives you the option of  DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL.  I click on this option of blue letters.

Also keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick.  It's seems different each time.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them. 

Most of the time the installations are quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps.   Other times you wait for he download and then WAIT again for the installation.  Again - each time is different!

In the picture above the files were downloading (See Status), and it will install my optional update when it is complete.  Most of the time it doesn't prompt you if you want to install it, but if for some strange reason it does?  Click AWAY!

Some Windows 10 Updates will require you to restart your computer, and other times it will not.  Always prepare yourself to restart when it is complete.  Save your files, and do whatever else you need to do when you shut off your computer.

Keep in mind that your restart and shut down may go a little slower, because the computer is processing these new files, updates, etc.  Again, that doesn’t happen all the time!  Yet, if the file is large?  It will take longer than normal.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates (if needed).  You will be doing this until all of them have been completed. 

We do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

YEAH!  Your done!

Turning off Automatic updates

Most of the time you don't want to do this, but there are times in which you might.  I found a video on youtube that explains how to turn these updates off.  For Home versions of Windows 10?  You can't do this permanently.

Finally, remember windows updates are important for your computer!  You need to continue to check for updates from time to times on your own.  They claim the automatic updates will tell you when its time, but we have to remember this a machine.

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 10?”

How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

Dealing with window update errors

 

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 7:

 

Go to your start button, and type in windows update.  You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

 

 

 

How-To install the Window’s updates 

Click on that option once you see it, and a new window will open, and you will click on ‘Check for Updates’.  This will run for a while, and so be patient!

Notice below it states you have 14 important updates, and 37 optional updates.  These 2 choices are in the blue lettering on the left.

We are going to install the ‘important updates’ first, and you notice that is in black text right above the ‘install updates’ button I’m pointing at in the picture.

Keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them. 

Most of the time the installations aren’t quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps. 

In the picture below the files were already downloaded, and it’s installing update 15.

There are times in which one update needs to be downloaded and installed all by itself.  Other times you will notice they all install at the same time.

 

See below that only three updates downloaded and installed.  Yet, the computer told us we had 14!  This is a perfect example to show you what I was talking about above.  Make sure you save any files, or programs you were working on, and then hit the ‘restart’ now button.

Keep in mind that your restart and shut down may go a little slower, because the computer is processing these new files, updates, etc.  Again, that doesn’t happen all the time!  Yet, if the file is large?  It will take longer than normal.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates.  You will be doing this until all of them have been completed.  We will move on to the optional updates later, but we do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

 

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates.   If you remember we had 37 optional updates!

Instead of just ‘installing updates’ we may need to look at these optional updates.  You can do that by clicking on the blue words, ‘37 optional updates are available’.  Then a new screen with a list of the updates will be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to look at the updates since their OPTIONAL to see if want them or not!

Optional updates could be software updates to some of your hardware like your printer, or as we see below they are offering language packs.

If you speak Japanese?  You may want this one, and that is why it is selected by clicking on it.  If you don’t want the others?  Notice those are left blank.  You can pick all of them, or none of them!

At times you may not recognize what the optional update is, and you can either Google (search engine) the title of the update…or in some cases use some discernment with the title (for example Microsoft security fix) and choose to install it.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message! 

YEAH!  Your done!

 

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for  Windows Update.  This way your computer lets you know that updates are available!  You would get a similar notification like this at the bottom of your screen – on the left hand side.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

To Turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update 

1. In the left pane, click Change settings.
2. Select the option that you want.
3. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you.  Most go with the recommended option!

 

How-To Deal With Update Errors

 

From time to time you may get an update error, and the ‘try again’ option will work.

At times these errors could be that your internet is slow at the moment, or I have found at times a restart of the computer helps the error fix itself…and it finishes!

Notice the Code 66A, and it gives you link for help if all else fails.

If the article it links to makes no sense to you?  Google the error.  For example, “Windows 7 Update Code 66A”.  Check to see if other’s have dealt with this error, and read how they solved it!

 

Finally, remember windows updates are important for your computer!  You need to continue to check for updates from time to times on your own.  They claim the automatic updates will tell you when its time, but we have to remember this a machine.

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

How-To do Windows Updates for Windows 8.1

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

 

If you have Windows 8 there is an update to Windows 8.1.  Please check the Microsoft page to see if you are eligible! 

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

 

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 8:

You want to click or swipe on the right hand side of your screen to bring your charms bar UP!

 

At the very top you will see the ‘search’ option, and you need to click on that.    Then type “Windows Update”  Then select it.

 

OR You can also search under the ‘settings’ option.  Then you start typing, “Windows Update” !

 

Click on Windows update, and the Windows Update box will open.

Some people choose to go directly to the PC Settings, and then to ‘update and recovery” like the picture below

(I personally just click search, and type in windows update)

Click the ‘check now’ to find the most up to date list available.

This may run for a while, unless you have been updating all long.

(Keep in mind below I will be using some windows 7 pictures for this lesson, because the screens are very similar in Windows 8)

When its complete you will get a similar looking message about the different updates YOUR computer will need!  The important section is similar to what we see below:

 

Notice it says 14 important updates and 37 optional ones.  That is the blue letters on the left hand side of my picture above.

With Time majority of the ‘important’ ones are done automatically by windows 8.1 when you enable your computer to do that.  We will show you that later on! 

 

How-To install the Window’s updates 

 

Then you have the button on the right  that states “install updates”. 

 

 

Now when you click that button your computer will attempt to download, and then install those updates that Microsoft stated your computer needs. 

It will take a while for the updates to first download, and then install.  If your files are small?  It will be much quicker!

Be patient!

Once the process is complete your computer may ask you to restart the computer to finish the installation.

 

When you restart you may see something similar to the below picture, because Windows 8 is completing its installation!

 

 

Keep in mind some updates need to be done by themselves, and other updates can be grouped together to install properly. 

Don’t ask me why, but windows update doesn’t always tell you that.  You will sometimes notice the computer telling you it only updated 3 out of the 14 updates.  Then asks you to ‘restart computer’.  That normally gives me the first clue that they needed to be installed separately.

Go ahead and allow the computer to restart.  The computer should restart on its own, but allow time for this.  It maybe slower to shut down and restart than your used too.

Once the computer is restarted?  Please do the above steps again for windows update, and install the remaining ones that are needed. 

 

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates.   In the below picture you should see ‘Show All Available Updates” in blue letters.  You click on that!

Some of the optional updates you may recognize the program (like your printer for example) , and below I’m showing an update for Skype.   You make sure the box has the checkmark in it if you want the update, and you click install in the bottom right hand part of the picture below. 

 

I don’t use that program, and I’m sure Dell loaded on my machine when I bought it.  I left that ‘optional’ update unchecked.  You notice the ‘install’ area is greyed out, because I didn’t select this optional update.

I would say majority of the time you won’t recognize what the updates are for, and you can either google them…or install them.  It’s up to you, and that’s why they are called ‘optional’.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message! 

YEAH!  Your done!

 

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for  Windows Update

Let’s go back to the charm bar!  Then click on settings!

 

 

Notice at the VERY bottom you will see, “Change PC settings”.  Click there.

At the very bottom click update and recovery.

 

On the right in red letters click:  Choose how updates get installed

At the top you have a pull down menu, and two places that you can select WHAT you wish! 

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you.  Most go with the recommended option!

What is nice about updates compared to past operating systems (in my opinion) is updates are done behind the scenes, and I don’t even know its working.  I still do windows updates regularly, and check for optional updates out of habit. 

With Windows 8 you may also get a similar as below, but it will state that they already installed your updates.  They will ask you to restart the computer.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

Keep in mind computers are machines, and if you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

You will notice when you go to shut down your computer updates were done behind the scenes, and they ask you WHEN they can install them. 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

What is the Windows Lock Screen?

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner  handles the question:

What is the Windows Lock Screen?

In the past if you have a password you had to enter into your computer before it would completely boot up?  You saw a screen similar to the one below.  I have heard this referred to as the ‘sign on screen’.

As you can see below on a Windows 7 Machine?  A gentleman named “Paul” will have to enter his password to get into his account on this computer.

Windows 8 starts with a lock screen similar to the one below.  When you tap, double click, or hit a key on the board….

You will get a similar screen to Paul’s sign in screen we pictured first.

As you can tell with Windows 8 lock screen it gives you the most basic of information.  The time and the date are regular’s to show up! 

Depending your machine widgets, known as lock screen apps, they will allow you to view information – such as new emails, weather, calendar appointments, instant messages or social updates – without even unlocking your PC.  If you have  laptop?  It could show you how much battery life you have left.

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today Explanation on What is the Windows Lock Screen.

What is the Windows Key or Button? What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner is Called, “What is the Windows Key or Button?  What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?”

I also have a Hotkeys or Shortcut Cheat Sheet at the bottom to print out if you so wish.

What is the Windows Key or Window Button?

I have also heard this key being referred to as:
Windows Button
Windows Logo Key

They are the same thing – just different nicknames!

We will also go over Windows 8 Shortcuts using this button.  These shortcuts are also referred to as:

Windows 8 Shortcuts, or Windows 8 Shortcut Keys
Windows 8 Hot keys
Win8 Shortcuts

Again, same thing just a different label!

In Windows 8 in particular you will be using this key to navigate around your computer.  You will be using the windows key quite a lot!

Notice is has the logo most people identify for Windows Operating System Products.


Above is a picture of the windows Key, or Windows Button.

When you wish to return to the Start Screen you will push this windows key for example.  That would be called a ‘shortcut’.  Some refer to it as a keyboard shortcut, but again same thing different label.

What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?

Below are some examples of Window Key Shortcuts, but keep in mind most of the time people will reference how to use them.  Most people are NOT expecting you to know all of them – all the time!

The Strange looking graphic looks your Windows key pictured above.

The direction below are asking you to do two things.  First you want to hold down the Windows logo key that we have been talking about. 

Notice is also states +C.  This means to also push down the C key at the same time.

Its okay to push the Windows Logo key, and then hold it down to find the second key to push.  Just remember BOTH need to be held down at the same time for the result you are looking for.

Windows logo key +C
Open the Charms
Windows logo key +D
Display and hide the desktop
Windows logo key +F
Open the Search charm and search for files
Windows logo key
Display or hide the Start screen

If you would like to see a more complete list of Window Logo Key Shortcuts?  Microsoft has a very extensive list for you. 

Microsoft Windows 8 Logo Key Shortcut list

If you would like a print sheet of these Windows 8 hotkeys, or Windows 8 Shortcuts I uploaded them here for you to print.
Win8 Shortcuts – Printable Cheat Sheet

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner
On: What is the Windows Key or Button? What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?