Windows Update Create Check for Updates shortcut in Windows 11


  • Staff
Windows_Update_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to create a Check for Updates shortcut in Windows 11.

In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. When you update, you'll get the latest fixes and security improvements, helping your device run efficiently and stay protected. In most cases, restarting your device completes the update. Make sure your device is plugged in when you know updates will be installed.

If you like, you can create a Check for Updates shortcut to use on demand to directly open the Settings > Windows Update page, and have it automatically check for updates.


EXAMPLE: Checking for updates on Settings > Windows Update page

Checking_for_updates.png



Here's How:

1 Right click or press and hold on an empty area on your desktop, and click/tap on New and Shortcut. (see screenshot below)

Check_for_updates_shortcut-1.png

2 Copy and paste the location below into the location area, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

cmd /s /c USOClient StartInteractiveScan & start ms-settings:windowsupdate

Check_for_updates_shortcut-2.png

3 Type Check for updates for the name, and click/tap on the Finish button. (see screenshot below)

You can name this shortcut anything you like.


Check_for_updates_shortcut-3.png

4 Right click or press and hold on the new Check for updates shortcut, and click/tap on Properties. (see screenshot below)

Check_for_updates_shortcut-4.png

5 In the Shortcut tab, click/tap on the Change Icon button. (see screenshot below)

Check_for_updates_shortcut-5.png

6 Copy and paste the location below into the line under "Look for icons in this file", and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 7)

%SystemRoot%\System32\imageres.dll

7 Select the checking for updates icon below, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

You can use any icon you want.


Check_for_updates_shortcut-6.png

8 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Check_for_updates_shortcut-7.png

9 You can Pin to Taskbar, Pin to Start, add to Start menu All apps, assign a keyboard shortcut to, or move this shortcut to where you like for easy usage.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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Last edited:
I tried this, but it does not actually check for updates, it only opens the settings page? It is quicker pressing WIN + I. Can others confirm?

After a reboot, I tried again. It does work, but in the background, all you see is the spinning blue circle.

I apologise for doubting Brink!
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    11 Pro 23H2 OS build 22631.2715
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Swift SF114-34
    CPU
    Pentium Silver N6000 1.10GHz
    Memory
    4GB
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SSD
    Internet Speed
    13Mbps
    Browser
    Brave, Edge or Firefox
    Antivirus
    Webroot Secure Anywhere
    Other Info
    System 3

    ASUS T100TA Transformer
    Processor Intel Atom Z3740 @ 1.33GHz
    Installed RAM 2.00 GB (1.89 GB usable)
    System type 32-bit operating system, x64-based processor

    Edition Windows 10 Home
    Version 22H2 build 19045.3570
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.2506
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Mini 210-1090NR PC (bought in late 2009!)
    CPU
    Atom N450 1.66GHz
    Memory
    2GB
I tried this, but it does not actually check for updates, it only opens the settings page? It is quicker pressing WIN + I. Can others confirm?

After a reboot, I tried again. It does work, but in the background, all you see is the spinning blue circle.

I apologise for doubting Brink!

:lmao: :shawn:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1
    CPU
    i7-1065G7 3.9 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR4-3200
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13.3" 4K UWVA AMOLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium

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