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HP PCs - Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update (Windows 10, 8, 7)

This document is for HP and Compaq computers and tablets using Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7.

Windows Update is a tool that determines which updates apply to your computer and installs them. Downloading updates from Windows Update requires an internet connection.

note:
You can also update drivers using Device Manager. For more information, go to Can I use Device Manager to get updates? in Frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Installing updates

Use these steps to install updates.

note:
On a metered internet connection, such as a cellular data, you might need to manually download updates.

Windows 10

Find and install updates for your computer with Windows 10.

In Windows, search for and open Windows Update settings.
Click Check for updates.

If there are any available updates, they begin installing automatically.
After the updates install, restart your computer, if necessary.

Windows 8, 7

Find and install updates for your computer with Windows 8 or Windows 7.

In Windows, search for and open Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Select updates to install.

note:
HP recommends selecting both the Important and the Recommended updates.
- Important updates are important to the health of your computer. To install only important updates, click Install Updates.
- Optional updates are not required but are recommended. To select from all available updates, click optional updates are available.
Click OK.
After the updates install, restart your computer, if necessary.

Install firmware or BIOS updates in Windows 10

To automatically update the system firmware (BIOS) to version F.03 (or later) using Device Manager, follow the below steps:

Search for and open Windows Device Manager.
Expand Firmware.
Double-click System Firmware.
Select the Driver tab.
Click Update Driver.
Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
Wait for the update to download and then follow the instructions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Review these frequently asked questions about Windows Update.

What if my update fails?

To solve most problems installing updates, use the Windows Update Troubleshooter (in English) from Microsoft. If that does not work, go to the Can I manually troubleshoot update issues? below.

note:
Go to "Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes." error (in English) from Microsoft if this specific error displays.

How do I schedule updates?

You can schedule updates so that the computer doesn't update while you are working.

Windows 10

In Windows 10, you can set active hours to prevent your computer from updating during those hours.

Search for and open Windows Update settings
Click Change active hours.
Select a Start time and End time.
Click Save.

Windows 8, 7

In Windows, search for and open Windows Update, and then click Change settings to access update preferences.

Select a day of the week and hour from the drop-down menus next to Install new updates.
Click OK.

What types of updates are available?

The following types of updates are available through Windows Update:

Security updates are often critical and help make your computer more secure from online threats.
Windows bug fixes and enhancements improve the Windows experience.
Driver updates are usually available as optional updates. Some drivers might not be available.

When should I block or disable a specific update?

When Windows Updates downloads a driver update that causes the hardware to fail, you should disable the update.

note:
Business computers: In some cases, updates might be controlled in a network-related environment. Contact your company's IT department or your local IT service for help.

Uninstall the driver and install the working version or restore the previous version.
- Uninstall: In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. Right-click the faulty driver, and then click Uninstall. Reinstall the working driver version.
- Restore: In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. Right-click the faulty driver, and then click Properties. Click the Driver tab, and then select Rollback Driver.
To block Windows from downloading the driver update again, download the Show or Hide updates tool from Microsoft.
Run the tool and wait while it scans for pending updates.
Click Hide Updates.
Select the faulty driver in the list.

Windows Update cannot automatically install the driver.

Can I change my Windows Update settings?

Yes. You can use one of the following procedures to change Windows Update settings for your operating system.

Windows 10

Search for and open Windows Update settings, and then click Advanced options to access update preferences.

Update options: Enable Windows Update to update other Microsoft product drivers and apps when updating Windows. Also allows Windows Update to download and install updates as they become available, or set it to wait for your approval to help manage data on a limited data plan.
Update notifications: Enable Windows to prompt you when you need to restart your computer to finish an update.
Delivery Optimization: Download Windows updates from other computers, which can be faster.

note:
HP recommends getting updates only from sources you know and trust.
Privacy settings: Change how apps access personal information.

Windows 8, 7

Search for and open Windows Update, and then click Change settings to access update preferences.

Important updates: Allow Windows Update to download and install important updates as they become available, or set it to wait for your approval. You can also set a regular update time so that the computer doesn't update while you are working.
Recommended updates: Allow Windows Update to download and install recommended updates using the same settings as important updates.
Who can install updates: Set which users can install updates on the computer.
Microsoft Update: Enable Windows Update to update other Microsoft product drivers and apps when updating Windows.
Software notifications: Allow Windows Update to display detailed notifications when new Microsoft software is available.

After you have changed your preferences, click OK to save your changes.

Can I manually troubleshoot update issues?

Yes. If automatic updates fail, you can follow the steps below to manually troubleshoot.

Step 1: Disabling the antivirus software

Disable the antivirus software during updates to prevent issues.

caution:
Do not forget to re-enable your antivirus software when you finish.

In Windows, search for and open System Configuration.
Click the Startup tab, and then click Open Task Manager.
Find the antivirus software in the list, select it, and then click Disable.
Close Task Manager.

Step 2: Performing a clean restart

Restart the computer with a minimal set of startup programs.

In the System Configuration window, click the Services tab.
Check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and then click Disable all.
Click the Startup tab, and then click Open Task Manager.
Click each enabled startup item, select Disable, and then close Task Manager.
In the System Configuration window, click OK.

Step 3: Restarting Windows Update services

Reset individual Windows Update services.

Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run box.
In the Run box, type Services.msc, and then press Enter.
In the Services list, look for the following services:
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Cryptographic Services
- Windows Updates
Right-click each of them, and then select Restart.

Step 4: Resetting Windows Update services

Reset Windows Update services to the default settings.

In Windows, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and then select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each.
- net stop bits
- net stop cryptsvc
- net stop wuauserv
- net start bits
- net start cryptsvc
- net start wuauserv
Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run box.
Type %temp%, and then click OK. A list of files in the Temp folder displays.
Delete all the files in the Temp folder.
Rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders to SoftwareDistribution.old and catroot2.old.
Search for Command Prompt again, right-click it, and then select Run as administrator.
At the prompt, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each.
- net stop wuauserv
- ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Restart the computer, and then try to install updates. If the issue persists, contact HP Customer Support.

Can I update my printer software, BIOS, or HP software through Windows Update?

No. Windows Update does not provide HP printer software, HP software updates, or BIOS updates.

Full HP printer software: To get software for your HP printer, use HP Support Assistant, or go to 123.hp.com or HP Customer Support.
Updates to HP software: For updates to HP software, use HP Support Assistant, or go to HP Customer Support, and then search for your computer.
BIOS updates: For instructions to update the BIOS, go to one of the following HP support documents.
- HP Consumer Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
- HP Consumer Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Where can I get updates for my business computer?

To get software and driver updates for business computers, go to HP PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager.

note:
In some cases, updates might be controlled in a network-related environment. Contact your company's IT department or your local IT service for help.

Where else can I get software and driver updates?

Not all drivers and software are available through Windows Update. Use one of the resources below to update software and drivers that are not available through Windows Update.

HP Support Assistant
HP Customer Support
The software manufacturer
Device Manager

Can I use Device Manager to get updates?

Yes. If a specific hardware component is not working correctly, you can update it in Device Manager.

In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
In the list of devices, expand the component you want to update.
Right-click the device, and then click Update driver (Windows 10) or Update Driver Software (Windows 8, 7).
Click Search automatically for updated driver software, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer to complete the installation.

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