Skip to main content

How to force Windows 10 updates to install using the command line

 


The Windows 10 updates are a problem for many people since you either have to wait for Microsoft to give you the go on updating your system or are forced to update when you’re in the middle of a project.

 

However, if you want to take the matter into your own hands, this guide shows you how to force Windows to start downloading the Windows 10 update files without having to wait for Microsoft's approval.

 

First, open to your Windows installation folder and navigate to the following path: “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download” (depending on where you installed your Windows, you may need to adjust the drive letter) and delete all the files there.

1. Open Windows Update window, by hitting the Windows key, type “Windows update” and click on it.

 


2. Open the command prompt, by hitting the Windows key and type “cmd”. Right click on the Command Prompt icon and choose “Run as administrator”.

 


3. In the command prompt type (but, don’t hit enter) “wuauclt.exe /updatenow“ (this is the command to force Windows to check for updates).

 


4. Back to Windows Update, click on “Check for updates” - you should see the following message “Checking for updates...”. While this is happening, go back to the command prompt and enter the command you typed at step 3.

 


5. Now you should see the Windows update window say that it is downloading Windows 10. Make sure you back everything up before you start installing it.

 

 

    As an alternative, you could also use WuInstall


 

WuInstall is a Windows command line tool that enables IT Administrators to script Windows updates. It makes the entire updating process more controlled and user-friendly by enabling admins to enforce the query, download, and installation of Windows Updates at times when it makes sense.

 

The possibilities you have with WuInstall are huge, you can use it as a standalone tool or in combination with WSUS or other system management tools, you can manage a small network with 10 machines as well as huge networks with thousands of clients or servers.

 

 

1. Download and install WuInstall software

You can get WuInstall from the website http://www.wuinstall.com - there is a free, fully functional 30-day trial where you can test whether WuInstall fits your IT infrastructure. After that, you can purchase your WuInstall version either online with a credit card or contact us if you would like to purchase via PO. For details check our FAQ page.

 

 

2. Open the command prompt

Open the command prompt, by hitting the Windows key and type “cmd”. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose “Run as administrator”.

3. Search for Updates

A simple search is triggered via "wuInstall /search".

This command searches for all Microsoft Updates that are available for install on the current machine (Windows, Office, ...) - in quite the same way you would also see it in the update menu of the Windows OS - and lists them on stdout.

 


4. Download Updates

A download of updates is triggered via "wuInstall /download".

First, the command does a search and downloads every update of the result list to the local cache of the machine. Those updates are now ready to be installed whenever it’s convenient with the /install option. If /download is triggered on an update that is already downloaded, nothing is done. The /download option can be used to download pending updates at times when bandwidth is available.

 


5. Install Updates

To install updates, use the option "wuInstall /install".

It does a search first, then triggers a download for the updates (if they have not been downloaded already) in the result list and then installs the updates on the system. There are a few options like /quiet, /disableprompt or /autoaccepteula in order to suppress user interaction and make installations unattended. Updates can also be installed over reboots using the /rebootcycle option.

 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Remove Temp Files from your PC

  Temp files can easily occupy a substantial amount of space in your PC.   When you've never really checked the number of temporary files which are currently there on your PC then you might be shocked with the amount that would have been collected by now.   The procedure would be steady and over time there could be a pile of useless crap files that wouldn't really be helpful for your computer because it can slow it down considerably.   There are numerous ways you can eliminate these files regularly to make certain that your computer is efficient and that you have enough disk space available. What are these Documents? Temp files are usually made by different applications for different reasons.     By way of instance, when you download files, the file will be stored as a temporary document whenever you're using it.   Normally, these files aren't really dangerous.   But if there is malware in this kind of document then it can create lots of damag...
3 comments
Read more

How to factory reset on Windows 10

  Restoring a Windows computer back to its factory settings is an excellent way to handle speed and performance problems that have built up on the system over time.   If you discover your PC is working slower than anticipated, it could be time to look at a factory reset.   Keep reading to learn how to choose a Windows 10 system back to its original factory settings. A factory reset - also called a Windows system restore - returns your computer to the exact same condition it was in when it rolled off the assembly line.   It will remove programs and files you have created and installed, delete drivers and return settings to their defaults.  There are various reasons why you may want to restore factory settings in your Windows 10 PC.   Over time, files and programs you do not have to build on your computer, taking up space on your drive and using the processing power.   Resetting Windows provides you with a fresh start with no additional files or programs...
1 comment
Read more

Clean System - Three Tips to Clean System Completely

  As a matter of fact, the slow system isn't just due to disturbing viruses but also other elements like junk files in the system.   Thus, you need to learn how to wash the system in order to get high speed back. If you use Windows-based systems for ages, then it's probably that the system was packed with a mess of junk files.   As a system needs clearing dust-up, your computer requires regular maintenance also.   Here are 3 tips for you to wash the system completely. 1.     But since the registry is your database of the computer, you can't be too careful to clean it up.     2.   Defragment the disk. The hard disk might be in a mess as you've used it for ages.   Since Disk fragments slow down read-write rate of the hard disk drive and system efficiency, you can use defragmenting programs of Windows to clean them up.   But it is actually slow and time-consuming so selecting a strong and specific tool is your best pick. ...
Post a Comment
Read more