How can you manage Windows updates and patches to prevent system performance issues?

1 Choose the right update settings

The first step to manage Windows updates and patches is to choose the right settings for your system and your needs. You can use the Windows Update settings in the Settings app or the Group Policy Editor to configure how often and when Windows checks for updates, downloads them, and installs them. You can also choose whether to defer or pause updates, and which updates to install or hide. For example, you can set up active hours to prevent Windows from restarting your system during work hours, or you can defer feature updates to avoid potential bugs and compatibility issues.

2 Monitor and troubleshoot updates

The second step to manage Windows updates and patches is to monitor and troubleshoot them regularly. You can use the Windows Update history in the Settings app or the Update History Viewer in the Control Panel to view the details and status of each update, and to uninstall any problematic updates. You can also use the Windows Update troubleshooter in the Settings app or the Troubleshooting tool in the Control Panel to fix common update errors and issues. Additionally, you can use the Event Viewer or the Windows Update log file to check for any update-related events or messages that might indicate a problem.

3 Optimize your system performance

The third step to manage Windows updates and patches is to optimize your system performance before and after applying them. You can use the Disk Cleanup tool or the Storage Sense feature to free up disk space by deleting temporary files, old updates, and other unnecessary data. You can also use the Task Manager or the Resource Monitor to check your system resources and identify any processes or services that might be consuming too much CPU, memory, disk, or network. Furthermore, you can use the Performance Monitor or the Reliability Monitor to measure and improve your system stability and responsiveness.

4 Backup and restore your system

The fourth step to manage Windows updates and patches is to backup and restore your system in case of any update failure or damage. You can use the File History feature or the Backup and Restore tool to create and manage backups of your personal files and folders. You can also use the System Image Backup feature or the System Restore tool to create and manage backups of your entire system configuration and settings. Moreover, you can use the Recovery options in the Settings app or the Advanced Startup options in the boot menu to access various recovery tools, such as Reset this PC, Go back to the previous version, Startup Repair, System Restore, or System Image Recovery.

5 Automate and streamline updates

The fifth step to manage Windows updates and patches is to automate and streamline them using various tools and scripts. You can use the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or the Windows Update for Business (WUfB) to deploy and manage updates across multiple devices and networks. You can also use the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) or the Microsoft Intune to manage updates and other aspects of your device configuration and security. Additionally, you can use the PowerShell or the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API to create and run custom scripts to control and monitor updates.

6 Stay informed and updated

The sixth and final step to manage Windows updates and patches is to stay informed and updated about the latest news and developments regarding Windows updates and patches. You can use the Windows Update Catalog or the Microsoft Update Catalog to browse and download updates manually. You can also use the Windows Release Information or the Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet to check the availability and support status of each Windows version and edition. Furthermore, you can use the Windows Blog or the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) to read the official announcements and advisories about updates and patches.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?