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Why are Windows updates so slow?

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Ever since it was released back in 2015,Windows 10has garnered plenty of criticism regarding how slow the update process is.

To be clear, users aren’t complaining thatupdatesaren’t frequent, just that they take a long time to download, even when they are small in size. This is a question many of you are eager to know the answer to.

Apparently, there are two main reasons why Windows updates may be taking so long:

These aren’t the only questions regarding Windows updates that you’ve been asking. That is why we’ve decided to answer some of the other more common questions that users need an answer to.

Windows Updates F.A.Q.

Windows Updates F.A.Q.

Where are the Windows Update Settings?

Accessing theWindows UpdateSettings is quite easy since all you need to do is follow these steps:

Can Windows update without Wi-Fi?

As long as you are connected to the Internet, you can perform aWindows updateregardless of whether you are connected to the Internet via Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi. Just remember that a cable connection is more stable and will probably provide better download speeds as well.

Where is the Windows Update Troubleshooter located?

TheWindows UpdateTroubleshooter is an official fix tool provided by Microsoft that helps Windows users in resolving all problems related toWindows Update.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come pre-installed on your system, but you can easily download theUpdate Troubleshooterfrom Microsoft.

Why is Windows Update status Pending download?

By default,Windows Updatewill automatically download and install anyupdatesit deems as being vital or important. In this case, it means that the download that is pending is minor and of lesser importance.

Additionally, if you are connected to broadband which is marked as ametered connection, then it will not download theupdate.

Closing thoughts on Windows 10’s slow update speeds

While the slow download speeds currently remain a source of frustration for some, you should know that Microsoft is looking tosolve this issue.

With the new changes that are set to come, you will be able to control the bandwidth settings of yourWindows updates, and thus manage thespeedsat which they download.

Do you have any more questions regardingWindows updates? Let us know in the comment section below.

Troubleshoot update install issues on Windows 10

We recommend bookmarkingthese update install guidesjust in case your computer fails to download and install the latest patches. We’re sure some of the solutions listed there will help you to solve your update issues.

More about the topics:windows updates

Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!

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Vlad Turiceanu

Windows Editor

Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.