How to Force Windows 10 Update Command Line?

Windows 10 updates can sometimes fail to install automatically or may be delayed. If you’re facing issues with automatic updates or need to install an update right away, using the command line can be an effective way to force Windows 10 to update. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to force an update on your system using Command Prompt and PowerShell.

Why Use Command Line to Force Windows 10 Update?

Using the command line to trigger updates can be helpful when:

• Automatic updates aren’t working as expected.
• You want to manually install the latest updates immediately.
• You need to troubleshoot update issues.
• You prefer using a faster, text-based method to perform tasks.

Method 1: Force Windows 10 Update Using Windows Update Command (Command Prompt)

You can use Command Prompt to manually check for and install updates. Here’s how to do it:

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X to open the Quick Link menu.
   • Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. Alternatively, you can search for cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
2. Run Windows Update Service:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to stop the Windows Update service: net stop wuauserv
   • Press Enter. This command stops the Windows Update service temporarily so you can start the update process manually.
3. Run Windows Update Standalone Installer:
   • To trigger the update process, type the following command: wuauclt.exe /updatenow
   • Press Enter. This command forces Windows to check for and install updates immediately. The process might take some time depending on the updates available.
4. Restart the Windows Update Service:
   • After forcing the update, you should restart the update service by typing the following command: net start wuauserv
   • Press Enter to restart the Windows Update service and resume regular operation.
5. Check for Updates:
   • You can also check the status of your update by typing: wuauclt.exe /detectnow
   • This command forces Windows to detect available updates.

Method 2: Use PowerShell to Force Windows 10 Update

For more advanced users, PowerShell offers a more flexible way to manage Windows updates. Here’s how you can use PowerShell to force an update:

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu, or search for PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Run the Windows Update Script:
   • In the PowerShell window, type the following command: Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate
   • Press Enter. This command installs a module that enables Windows Update management through PowerShell.
3. Update PowerShell Module (if needed):
   • If prompted to install the NuGet provider, type Y and press Enter to confirm the installation.
4. Check for Updates:
   • To force Windows to check for updates, type the following command: Get-WindowsUpdate
   • Press Enter. This command will display a list of available updates.
5. Install Updates:
   • To install the updates immediately, type: Install-WindowsUpdate
   • Press Enter. This command will begin downloading and installing available updates. You can also add the -AcceptAll parameter to automatically accept and install all updates without prompts.
6. Restart Windows After Update (if required):
   • Some updates may require a restart. To force the system to restart after installing updates, type: Restart-Computer
   • Press Enter.

Method 3: Force Update Using Windows Update Assistant

If you prefer a graphical interface and want to trigger the update process manually, the Windows Update Assistant can help force the installation of updates.

Steps:

1. Download Windows Update Assistant:
   • Visit the official Windows 10 Update Assistant page and download the tool.
2. Run the Update Assistant:
   • Open the downloaded file to start the Windows 10 Update Assistant.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to check for updates and install the latest version of Windows 10.

Method 4: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you’re experiencing issues with Windows Update, the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter can help identify and fix common problems that may be preventing updates from being installed.

Steps:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
   • Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Run the Troubleshooter:
   • Scroll down and click Additional troubleshooters.
   • Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
   • Let the troubleshooter run its diagnostics and apply any fixes if required.
   • Afterward, attempt to install updates again.

Method 5: Force Update via the Media Creation Tool (Advanced)

If you want to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 or install a major update, the Media Creation Tool can help.

Steps:

1. Download Media Creation Tool:
   • Go to the official Windows 10 Download page and download the Media Creation Tool.
2. Create Installation Media:
   • Run the tool and choose Upgrade this PC now to force the latest update.
3. Follow Instructions:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest version of Windows 10.

Conclusion

Forcing a Windows 10 update via the command line can be a quick and effective way to ensure your system is up to date. Whether you use Command Prompt, PowerShell, the Windows Update Assistant, or the Media Creation Tool, these methods give you more control over the update process. If you encounter issues with updates, the Windows Update Troubleshooter can help resolve common problems.