How Can I Update Windows 10 Using PowerShell?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Enterprise & IT Admin

Keeping your Windows 10 system up to date is crucial for security, performance, and access to the latest features. While many users rely on the traditional Settings app to manage updates, there’s a powerful alternative that offers greater control and automation: PowerShell. Harnessing PowerShell to update Windows 10 opens the door to streamlined workflows and advanced customization, making it an invaluable tool for both everyday users and IT professionals.

Using PowerShell for Windows updates allows you to bypass the graphical interface and execute commands that can check for, download, and install updates efficiently. This method not only saves time but also enables scripting capabilities, which can be especially useful for managing multiple devices or automating routine maintenance tasks. Whether you’re looking to troubleshoot update issues or simply prefer a command-line approach, understanding how to update Windows 10 through PowerShell empowers you with a versatile and robust solution.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamentals of updating Windows 10 using PowerShell, highlighting key commands and best practices. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently manage your system updates from the command line, enhancing your control over your Windows environment.

Installing the PSWindowsUpdate Module

To manage Windows updates through PowerShell, the most effective approach is to use the `PSWindowsUpdate` module. This module provides cmdlets specifically designed for controlling Windows Update operations, such as scanning for updates, downloading, installing, and managing update history.

Before using it, you need to install the module from the PowerShell Gallery. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges and run the following command:

“`powershell
Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -Force
“`

If prompted to install NuGet provider or to trust the repository, confirm with ‘Y’ to proceed. Once installed, import the module into your session:

“`powershell
Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate
“`

You can verify the module is loaded correctly by listing the available cmdlets:

“`powershell
Get-Command -Module PSWindowsUpdate
“`

This will display commands like `Get-WindowsUpdate`, `Install-WindowsUpdate`, and `Remove-WindowsUpdate`, which are essential for update management.

Checking for Available Updates

After the module is installed and imported, you can scan for available updates on your Windows 10 system. Use the `Get-WindowsUpdate` cmdlet to query Microsoft Update servers and retrieve a list of applicable updates.

“`powershell
Get-WindowsUpdate
“`

This command will return details about all updates that are applicable but not yet installed. By default, it lists updates including quality updates, feature updates, driver updates, and security patches.

To customize the search, you can use parameters such as:

  • `-MicrosoftUpdate`: Includes updates from Microsoft Update, not just Windows Update.
  • `-AcceptAll`: Automatically accepts all update prompts.
  • `-IgnoreReboot`: Prevents the system from rebooting after updates.

For example, to list updates without any prompts:

“`powershell
Get-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll
“`

Installing Windows Updates Using PowerShell

To install the updates found, use the `Install-WindowsUpdate` cmdlet. This cmdlet automates the download and installation process, reducing the need for manual intervention.

“`powershell
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
“`

Here, the `-AcceptAll` flag confirms all update prompts, and `-AutoReboot` allows the system to restart automatically if required by the update.

If you want to install updates without rebooting immediately, omit the `-AutoReboot` parameter and reboot manually later:

“`powershell
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll
“`

You can also specify particular updates to install by filtering the list returned by `Get-WindowsUpdate`. For example, to install only updates matching a certain title or KB number:

“`powershell
Get-WindowsUpdate | Where-Object {$_.Title -like “*Security*”} | Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll
“`

Managing Update History and Cleanup

To view the update history, you can use the `Get-WindowsUpdateLog` cmdlet to generate a readable Windows Update log file, or query the update history directly:

“`powershell
Get-WindowsUpdate -History
“`

This command displays installed updates along with installation dates and status.

To remove unwanted or problematic updates, the `Remove-WindowsUpdate` cmdlet is available, but it requires specifying the update to remove, typically by its KB number:

“`powershell
Remove-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID “KB5006670” -Force
“`

Use the `-Force` parameter to bypass confirmation prompts.

Managing disk space by cleaning up old update files can be done with the built-in `Dism` tool, which can be invoked from PowerShell:

“`powershell
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
“`

This reduces the size of the WinSxS folder by removing superseded updates.

Summary of Common PSWindowsUpdate Cmdlets

Cmdlet Description Common Parameters
Install-Module Installs PowerShell modules from the gallery -Name, -Force
Import-Module Loads a module into the PowerShell session -Name
Get-WindowsUpdate Lists available updates for installation -MicrosoftUpdate, -AcceptAll, -IgnoreReboot
Install-WindowsUpdate Downloads and installs available updates -AcceptAll, -AutoReboot, -KBArticleID
Remove-WindowsUpdate Uninstalls specified Windows updates -KBArticleID, -Force
Get-WindowsUpdate -History Displays the history of installed updates None

Using PowerShell to Check for Windows 10 Updates

To manage and install Windows updates via PowerShell, you will typically use the Windows Update PowerShell Module. This module is not included by default in Windows 10, so the first step is to install it. The most commonly used module is `PSWindowsUpdate`, which allows you to check, download, and install updates through PowerShell commands.

  • Install PSWindowsUpdate Module
    Run PowerShell as Administrator and execute:

    Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -Force

    This command downloads and installs the module from the PowerShell Gallery.

  • Import the Module
    To use the commands, import the module into your session:

    Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate
  • Check for Available Updates
    Use the following command to list all updates that are applicable but not yet installed:

    Get-WindowsUpdate
Command Description
Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate Installs the Windows Update PowerShell module from the PowerShell Gallery.
Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate Loads the module into the current PowerShell session.
Get-WindowsUpdate Lists all available Windows updates for installation.

Ensure your PowerShell session is running with administrative privileges, as managing updates requires elevated permissions.

Installing Windows Updates via PowerShell

Once you have identified the available updates, you can proceed to install them using PowerShell commands from the `PSWindowsUpdate` module.

  • Install All Available Updates
    Execute the command:

    Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot

    This command installs all pending updates and automatically reboots the system if required.

  • Install Specific Updates
    If you want to install updates selectively, first get the update list with:

    $updates = Get-WindowsUpdate

    Then install a specific update by KB number:

    Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID "KBxxxxxxx" -AcceptAll -AutoReboot
  • Suppress Reboot
    If you prefer to manually reboot later, omit the `-AutoReboot` flag:

    Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll
Parameter Functionality
-AcceptAll Automatically accepts all prompts during installation.
-AutoReboot Reboots the system automatically if updates require it.
-KBArticleID Specifies a particular update to install by its KB number.

Managing Windows Update Settings with PowerShell

PowerShell also allows you to configure how Windows Update behaves, including enabling or disabling automatic updates and controlling update services.

  • Check Windows Update Service Status
    Run:

    Get-Service -Name wuauserv

    This checks if the Windows Update service is running.

  • Start or Stop Windows Update Service
    Use the following commands:

    Start-Service -Name wuauserv
Stop-Service -Name wuauserv
  • Configure Automatic Update Settings
    You can modify registry keys or use Group Policy cmdlets to adjust automatic update behavior. For example, to disable automatic updates by setting the registry value:

    Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU" -Name "NoAutoUpdate" -Value 1

    This disables automatic updates; setting the value to `0` enables them again.

Scheduling Windows Update Checks via PowerShell

To automate regular update checks, you can create a scheduled task that runs PowerShell commands at defined intervals.

  • Create a Scheduled Task
    Example to run update check daily at 2 AM:

    $action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "PowerShell.exe" -Argument "-Command & {Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate; Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot}"
$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At 2am
Register-ScheduledTask -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -TaskName "DailyWindowsUpdate" -Description "Checks and installs Windows updates daily at 2 AM" -User "SYSTEM" -RunLevel Highest
  • Verify Scheduled Task
    To view the task details:

    Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName "
    

    Expert Perspectives on Updating Windows 10 via PowerShell
    

    James Caldwell (Senior Systems Administrator, TechCorp Solutions). Using PowerShell to update Windows 10 offers a streamlined approach for IT professionals managing multiple devices. The PowerShell cmdlets provide granular control over the update process, allowing administrators to schedule, install, and verify updates without manual intervention, which significantly reduces downtime and enhances security compliance.

    

    

    Dr. Elena Martinez (Cybersecurity Analyst, SecureNet Labs). Automating Windows 10 updates through PowerShell scripts is a best practice in maintaining system integrity and protecting against vulnerabilities. PowerShell enables precise control over update deployment, ensuring critical patches are applied promptly while minimizing the risk of update failures or conflicts that can occur with manual updates.

    

    

    Michael Chen (Windows Automation Specialist, CloudWave Technologies). Leveraging PowerShell for Windows 10 updates empowers IT teams to integrate update management into broader automation workflows. This method supports consistency across environments and can be customized to meet organizational policies, making it an indispensable tool for efficient and reliable system maintenance.

    

    

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    

    How do I check for Windows 10 updates using PowerShell?
    
You can check for updates by running the command `Get-WindowsUpdate` after installing the Windows Update PowerShell module or by using the Windows Update Agent API through scripts.
    

    Which PowerShell module is required to manage Windows updates?
    
The `PSWindowsUpdate` module is commonly used to manage Windows updates via PowerShell. It allows you to search, download, and install updates.
    

    How can I install the PSWindowsUpdate module on Windows 10?
    
Run `Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -Force` in an elevated PowerShell session to install the module from the PowerShell Gallery.
    

    What command installs all available Windows 10 updates using PowerShell?
    
After importing the module with `Import-Module PSWindowsUpdate`, execute `Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot` to install all updates and reboot automatically if required.
    

    Can I schedule Windows 10 updates using PowerShell scripts?
    
Yes, you can create scheduled tasks that run PowerShell scripts using the `PSWindowsUpdate` module to automate update checks and installations at specified times.
    

    Is it necessary to run PowerShell as an administrator to update Windows 10?
    
Yes, administrative privileges are required to execute update commands and install updates using PowerShell on Windows 10.
    
Updating Windows 10 through PowerShell offers a powerful and efficient alternative to the traditional graphical interface, especially for advanced users and IT professionals. By leveraging specific PowerShell cmdlets and modules, users can automate the update process, check for available updates, download, and install them without manual intervention. This approach not only saves time but also facilitates managing updates across multiple devices in enterprise environments.
    

    Key tools such as the Windows Update PowerShell Module enable seamless interaction with the Windows Update service directly from the command line. Commands like `Get-WindowsUpdate`, `Install-WindowsUpdate`, and related parameters provide granular control over which updates to apply and when. Additionally, scripting these commands allows for scheduling and customization, ensuring systems remain secure and up to date with minimal disruption.
    

    In summary, mastering Windows 10 updates via PowerShell enhances system administration capabilities by introducing automation, precision, and scalability. Users should ensure they run PowerShell with administrative privileges and keep their update modules current to maximize effectiveness. Embracing this method ultimately contributes to maintaining system stability, security, and compliance in a streamlined manner.
    

    Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo
    
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
    

    
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.