In some cases Windows Update will only check for updates on a scheduled cycle or will falsely report that there are no updates if you have recently checked for Windows Updates. This can be a problem if you are wanting to ensure a machine is fully updated at that very moment.
To get around this issue you can use the below steps to force Windows Updates to check for updates and install any that are available:
Detect new Updates:
- Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run Command
- Enter in the command wuauclt.exe /detectnow
- Press OK
Install any new updates found:
- Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run Command
- Enter in the command wuauclt.exe /updatenow
- Press OK
After these commands run you may not see anything open as this runs the commands behind the scenes and will only open an app or dialog box if an update requires it.
Other Windows Update command line switches that can be used:
/DemoUI
/IdleShutdownNow
/ShowOptions
/ShowWUAutoScan
/UpdateNow
/SelfUpdateUnmanaged
/SelfUpdateManaged
/CloseWindowsUpdate
/ShowWindowsUpdate
/ShowWU
/ResetEulas
/ResetAuthorization
/ShowSettingsDialog
/RunHandlerComServer
/ReportNow
/DetectNow
