Ensuring that your device is kept up to date is important for your device security and functionality. With an internet connection, Windows 11 will periodically check for updates so you don’t have to (ISP fees might apply). You can check to see if there are any pending or optional updates available for your device by going to Settings | Update & Security | Windows Update.

It is important to ensure you have enough free storage space to install updates and you may need to check to see if your hardware is still supported by your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Visit the Lifecycle FAQ for Windows products

More information on storage space requirements to keep Windows 11 up-to-date

The size of the Windows operating system that comes with your device and the amount of free storage space needed to download and install Windows updates are highly variable as they depend on a variety of factors. Visit here to learn why. The factors that impact the amount of free space needed to take an update include: the versions of Windows previously installed on the machine; the amount of free storage space available from Windows files to reuse, such as the virtual memory pagefile or hibernation file; which applications are installed on your device; and how those applications store data. When updating, Windows will attempt to free up enough space automatically and to guide you through freeing up even more if the automatic cleanup is not sufficient. You can also take steps on your own to free up space.