Like other Windows versions, Windows 8.1 receives its share of periodic updates, some of them critical, others not so much. Either way, it's important to set up Windows 8.1 to make sure you're receiving the necessary updates.
If the Update option is missing or you're unable to update, try Microsoft Update to install your Office updates through Windows. To download an update manually, see Office Updates. If you would like to update Office but can't open any of your Office apps, try repairing your Office suite: Go to Control Panel Programs Uninstall a program. The procedure for downloading updates in Windows 8.1 is very similar to the process in Windows 8.However, since 8.1 overhauled the PC Settings app, you’ll find the process is no longer broken between the modern app and the legacy Control Panel.
Microsoft typically reserves the second Tuesday of the month, dubbed Patch Tuesday, to roll out the latest updates for its various operating systems and other applications. Most of the updates are designed to patch bugs, shore up security holes, and fine-tune various behind-the-scenes features. The update interface in Windows 8 and 8.1 is a bit different than the one in other versions of Windows. In this article, I'll explain and go through the update process in Windows 8.1 to make sure you're set up properly.
In versions prior to Windows 8, you would access the update screen via Control Panel. Open Control Panel and click on the icon for Windows Update. From the Windows Update screen, you can trigger or set several options. In Windows 8.1, you can still go through Control Panel to get to the Windows Update feature. But the same options are also available via the PC Settings screen, so let's look at that screen.
In Windows 8.1, click on the charms bar and then click on the Settings charm. In the Settings panel, click on the link to Change PC Settings. In the PC Settings screen, click on the last option for Update and recovery. Make sure Windows Update is highlighted.
Let's first look at the setting to 'Choose how updates get installed,' so click on that link. Click on the drop-down box for Important updates and you'll see four choices: Install updates automatically (recommended), Download updates but let me choose whether to install them, Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them, and Never check for updates (not recommended).
Which one should you choose? Microsoft naturally wants you to pick the first option, and that's usually your best bet as it makes the update process more seamless. There have been instances in the past of a Windows update causing problems, requiring its removal or forcing Microsoft to roll out another update to fix the first one. That's why some people may be more comfortable downloading or checking the updates but not installing them automatically. I keep the first option enabled and still feel that it's the easiest way to go.
Before we move to the next step, it's time to explain the different categories of updates. Microsoft divides its updates into three flavors: Important, Recommended, and Optional. The first two categories include updates that you should install while the third offers updates that may be nice to have but aren't absolutely necessary. For example, a critical update that fixes a security hole or bug would be considered an important update.
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By default, important and recommended updates are automatically installed if you choose the option to install updates automatically. However, you can change this behavior. On the screen to 'Choose how updates get installed,' you can uncheck the check box for Recommended updates, which means only important updates would get installed automatically. However, I advise you to keep that check box checked as you typically want the recommended updates installed automatically.
Updates considered optional must be manually selected to be installed. For example, the Windows 8.1 August update that rolled out on Tuesday must be manually selected if you wish to install it. That update appears in the list of available updates as Update for Windows 8.1 (KB2975719).
At the 'Choose how updates get installed' screen, you'll also see an option for Microsoft Update. If you run other Microsoft software, such as Office, make sure this check box is checked so that you can receive updates for those other products.
When you're done choosing how updates get installed, click the Apply button and then click the left arrow at the top to return to the previous screen.
Now it's time to see if any updates are awaiting you. To do that, click the Check now button. If any updates are available, Windows will tell you that it found new updates and will install them for you.
You have a couple of choices. If you want to install the updates right away, click the View details link. Scroll down the list to see all the updates ready for installation. Remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the list to view any optional updates, such as the Windows 8.1 August update, or Update for Windows 8.1 (KB2975719). Click the check box for that update if you wish to install it.
You can now scroll to the top of the screen and click on the Install button if you wish to install all of the updates now.
Okay, but what if you're in the middle of work and don't want to be interrupted with a string of updates? That's where the automatic process comes into play. You don't have to trigger their installation yourself. Windows will keep track of the updates to be installed and at some point install them automatically.
The next time you restart or shut down Windows, you'll likely see an option to update it at that point. Or the next time you log into Windows, you may be reminded that updates are waiting to be installed. The whole point of the process is not to interrupt your workflow with an annoying and lengthy batch of updates.
This also means that you don't even have to check the PC Settings screen for available updates. Windows will eventually install them automatically for you. In Windows 8 and 8.1, you can restart and update right away or you can postpone the restart and update process for up to three days.
Updating Windows can still be a pain in the neck. But at least in Windows 8 and 8.1, you can control the process so that it's seamless and that it happens on your own time.
After you upgrade your computer to Windows 10, if your Microsoft USB Drivers are not working, you can fix the problem by updating the drivers. It is possible that your USB driver is not compatible with the newer version of Windows.
Find Microsoft USB Device Drivers by Model Name or Number
How to Update Device Drivers
There are two ways to update drivers.
Option 1 (Recommended): Update drivers automatically - Novice computer users can update drivers using trusted software in just a few mouse clicks. Automatic driver updates are fast, efficient and elimate all the guesswork. Your old drivers can even be backed up and restored in case any problems occur.
OR
Option 2: Update drivers manually - Find the correct driver for your USB and operating system, then install it by following the step by step instructions below. You’ll need some computer skills to use this method.
Option 1: Update drivers automatically
The Driver Update Utility for Microsoft devices is intelligent software which automatically recognizes your computer’s operating system and USB model and finds the most up-to-date drivers for it. There is no risk of installing the wrong driver. The Driver Update Utility downloads and installs your drivers quickly and easily.
You can scan for driver updates automatically with the FREE version of the Driver Update Utility for Microsoft, and complete all necessary driver updates using the premium version.
Tech Tip: The Driver Update Utility for Microsoft will back up your current drivers for you. If you encounter any problems while updating your drivers, you can use this feature to restore your previous drivers and configuration settings.
Microsoft Windows 8 Download Tool
- Download the Driver Update Utility for Microsoft.
- Double-click on the program to run it. It will then scan your computer and identify any problem drivers. You will see a results page similar to the one below:
- Click the Update Driver button next to your driver. The correct version will be downloaded and installed automatically. Or, you can click the Update Drivers button at the bottom to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out-of-date on your system.
Option 2: Update drivers manually
To find the latest driver, including Windows 10 drivers, choose from our list of most popular Microsoft USB downloads or search our driver archive for the driver that fits your specific USB model and your PC’s operating system.
If you cannot find the right driver for your device, you can request the driver. We will find it for you. Or, try the automatic option instead.
Tech Tip: If you are having trouble finding the right driver update, use the Microsoft USB Driver Update Utility. It is software which finds, downloads and istalls the correct driver for you - automatically.
After downloading your driver update, you will need to install it. Driver updates come in a variety of file formats with different file extensions. For example, you may have downloaded an EXE, INF, ZIP, or SYS file. Each file type has a slighty different installation procedure to follow. Visit our Driver Support Page to watch helpful step-by-step videos on how to install drivers based on their file extension.
How to Install Drivers
After you have found the right driver, follow these simple instructions to install it.
Microsoft Windows 8 To 8.1 Update Download
- Power off your device.
- Disconnect the device from your computer.
- Reconnect the device and power it on.
- Double click the driver download to extract it.
- If a language option is given, select your language.
- Follow the directions on the installation program screen.
- Reboot your computer.