The Windows Update system has undergone many changes and improvements over time, allowing Microsoft to make it both more sophisticated and user-friendly. Optional Updates in Windows is one of the features Microsoft has introduced over time to Windows Updates, enabling users to install additional software packages that Microsoft releases for Windows 10 and 11.
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How do Optional Updates help?
Optional updates in Windows 10 and 11 are not crucial for the operating system's security but can offer enhancements, new features, or bug fixes. Typically, non-critical updates are provided through this Windows Updates system. Driver updates or alternatives for various computer hardware components, as well as new features and functions within Windows, may be part of Optional Updates.
For example, if a computer component isn’t working well, installing a driver from the Optional Updates list could solve the issue.
Although these optional updates may address issues, they should be installed with caution. Instead of improved performance or added features, an optional update could cause instability or high resource usage.
How can you install Optional Updates on Windows?
If Optional Updates are available for your computer, you can find and install them by following these steps:
1. Open the Settings panel on Windows.
2. Go to Windows Updates in the left sidebar.
3. Access Optional Updates in the Advanced Options panel.
4. If there are optional updates available, you can choose to install them individually or all at once.
Related: What is Known Issue Rollback (KIR) on Windows
Before installing any optional update, it is recommended to create a backup of important data. Additionally, after installing optional updates, monitor system performance and stability. If you experience issues, it’s a good idea to uninstall the update or revert to a previous version.
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