How to Force a Windows 10 Update from the Command Line

To force Windows 10 to check for and install updates from the command line, open PowerShell as administrator and install the PSWindowsUpdate module with Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate. Then run Get-WindowsUpdate to see available updates and Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll to install them. For a quick nudge without extra modules, usoclient StartInteractiveScan or start ms-settings:windowsupdate-action starts a check, though these are less predictable.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Home PCs only get security updates if they’re enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU). Below are the command-line options, what each one does, and how to fix updates that won’t install.

Command-line options at a glance

Command	What it does	Reliability
Install-WindowsUpdate (PSWindowsUpdate module)	Lists, downloads, and installs updates	Most reliable and flexible
usoclient StartInteractiveScan	Starts a check, like clicking Check for updates	Undocumented. May do nothing on some builds.
start ms-settings:windowsupdate-action	Opens Windows Update and starts a check	Works, but opens the Settings window
wuauclt /detectnow	Old Windows 7 era command	Doesn’t work on current Windows 10

Method 1: Use PSWindowsUpdate in PowerShell

1. Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Allow scripts for this session: Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass
3. Install the module: Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate. Type Y to approve NuGet and the PowerShell Gallery if asked.
4. List available updates: Get-WindowsUpdate
5. Install them: Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll. Add -AutoReboot to restart automatically when needed.

PSWindowsUpdate is a community module published on the PowerShell Gallery, not a Microsoft product. It’s widely used by IT pros. Install only from the official gallery.

Useful PSWindowsUpdate commands

• Get-WUHistory shows recently installed updates.
• Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB890830 -AcceptAll installs one specific update.
• Hide-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KB890830 hides an update you don’t want.

Method 2: Start a check with usoclient

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type usoclient StartInteractiveScan and press Enter.

There’s no output. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to see progress. Microsoft doesn’t document usoclient, so behavior varies between versions.

Method 3: Open Windows Update and check

Run start ms-settings:windowsupdate-action from Command Prompt or the Run box (Windows + R). Windows Update opens and starts checking immediately.

Updating apps from the command line

Windows Update doesn’t update most desktop apps. Run winget upgrade –all in Command Prompt or PowerShell to update apps installed through winget-supported sources.

If updates won’t install

• Run the troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
• Reset update components: In an admin Command Prompt, run net stop wuauserv, net stop bits, rename the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old, then run net start wuauserv and net start bits.
• Repair system files: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow.
• Check ESU: If your PC isn’t enrolled in Extended Security Updates, Windows Update may not offer new security updates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I force a specific update to install?

Yes, with PSWindowsUpdate’s -KBArticleID parameter, or by downloading it from the Microsoft Update Catalog and running the installer.

Does this work on Windows 11?

Yes. PSWindowsUpdate and the ms-settings command work the same way on Windows 11.

Is it safe to force updates?

Yes. You’re installing the same updates Windows would install on its own, just sooner. Save your work first, since some updates need a restart.