how to update my windows

If Fix problems using Windows Update is available on your Windows 11 PC, use it to reinstall and repair Windows while preserving your files, applications, and settings.

Repair Windows Update

Since clearing corrupted files did not solve the warning, do not repeat that process.

1. Back up important personal files before continuing.
2. Keep the computer connected to power and the internet.
3. Open Start → Settings → System → Recovery.
4. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
5. Choose whether Windows may restart automatically, then select OK.
6. Let Windows download and install the repair version, then restart.
7. Return to Settings → Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install everything offered.

This reinstalls the current Windows version, repairs system files and components, and retains your apps, files, and settings.^1^

If “Reinstall now” is missing

That option can be absent when:

• Windows 11 is older than the 2022 annual update.
• The required February 2024 optional update or a later update is not installed.
• A work or school organization manages the computer’s updates.^1^

Check the installed version:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter winver and select OK.
3. Note the Windows version and OS build.

If it shows an old Windows 11 feature version and this is a personally managed x64 PC, use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant:

1. Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 software download page.
2. Download and run Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
3. If requested, run PC Health Check and confirm compatibility.
4. Select Accept and install.
5. When prompted, select Restart now. The PC may restart several times.

The Installation Assistant manually installs the latest feature update when Windows Update is not offering it. It supports x86/x64 PCs, but not ARM-based PCs.^2^ Its documented installation flow includes the compatibility check, Accept and install, and restart stages.^3^

If the repair or upgrade fails

Record the complete error code from Settings → Windows Update → Update history. Then apply only the matching fix:

• 0xC1900101: driver incompatibility—update the network or graphics driver.
• 0x80248014 / 0x80070422: Windows Update service/database problem—press Windows key + R, enter services.msc, open Windows Update, and select Start.
• 0x80070005: sign in with an administrator account.
• 0x800f0922: free disk space and disconnect any VPN.
• For an upgrade, have at least 20 GB free on a 64-bit system and disconnect unnecessary external drives, docks, and other peripherals.^4^

Do not resize or modify the EFI/System Reserved partition unless the installer specifically reports “We couldn’t update the system reserved partition.” That is a separate failure and cannot be inferred from the security-update warning alone.

References

1. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows | Microsoft Support
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/windows-update-assistant#summary)
3. Ways to install Windows 11 | Microsoft Support
4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/troubleshoot-problems-updating-windows#most-common-windows-update-problems)