Optional updates in Windows 11 provide access to advanced software for firmware and drivers. Unlike critical updates, optional updates are not automatically installed. Users have the choice to apply them. In this guide, you’ll learn what optional updates are, why they matter, and how to manage them effectively.
This post is a follow-up to our previous article from 2022, which provided an introduction to Windows optional updates. If you still have a Windows 10 machine, you can check out the original post, “What are Window Optional Updates (Win10).”
What Does “Optional” Mean in This Context?
Optional updates are not mandatory for the function and security of the computer as a whole. They can include early releases of Operating System updates (sometimes called “beta” releases), or updates for firmware and drivers (which we define below).
If you’re noticing overall performance issues or “glitchy” behavior with something like a keyboard, trackpad, printer, or other component of the machine or external devices, make sure to check if any Optional Updates are available.
What are Firmware and Drivers?
Firmware are programs and software that specifically manage the physical hardware components of a computer, such as the motherboard, graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, and other essential hardware. Firmware comes with all of your hardware devices and for the most part we as users don’t have to think about it.
Drivers are software that act as a bridge between your computer’s operating system and hardware devices, ensuring they can communicate effectively. Windows is the operating system on the PCs we’re talking about in this article. The list of devices that need to communicate with Windows includes the physical hardware of the computer, but it also include external hard drives, printers, cameras and keyboards that didn’t come with the machine.
How to Check for Optional Updates in Windows 11
To check for and install optional updates, start by opening the Windows Settings. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, which is represented by a gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings window directly.
Once inside the Settings menu, locate the Update & Security option and click on it. This section contains all Windows Update options and settings. Look for the option labeled View optional updates, which will be located under the Windows Update tab. Clicking this option will take you to a new page where all available optional updates are displayed
On the Optional Updates page, you will see categories such as Driver Updates, Feature Updates, Windows updates, and Other Updates. Click on each category shown to review the list of available updates. In our example, we only have the “Windows 11 version 24h2” optional update, so we will skip it this time. If you see updates relevant to your system, you can select them by checking the box next to each update. Once you have selected the updates you wish to install, click Download and Install to begin the update process. After the updates have been applied, you may be prompted to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Should You Install All Optional Updates?
Deciding whether to install all optional updates requires a bit of judgment. Not all updates are essential, so it is wise to review each update’s relevance to your system. Some updates, such as new drivers for critical devices like graphics cards or network adapters, can offer significant performance improvements, i.e. resolving a bad WiFi connection if a network interface card needs an update, or resolving compatibility issues. On the other hand, optional updates for features or hardware you don’t use can be skipped without consequence. As shown above, we didn’t require anything from the newest Windows feature update so we skipped it for now.
If your system runs smoothly without any performance issues or hardware conflicts, you may not need to install every optional update as soon as it comes out. However, if you are experiencing issues, it can be a good idea to check if a relevant update is available. Windows provides a short description for each update, so you can make an informed decision. In most cases, it’s best to focus on updates for essential components like graphics drivers, network adapters, and major system features.
How to Roll Back an Optional Update
Occasionally, an optional update may cause unexpected issues with your system. If this happens, you have the option to roll back the update. To do this, you’ll need to access Device Manager, which allows you to control hardware devices and their associated drivers.
To begin, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the list. This will open a window displaying a list of hardware components. Find the device whose driver you want to roll back. For example, if a graphics card update caused problems, look under Display Adapters. Right-click the specific device name and choose Properties. In the Properties window, click on the Driver tab. You’ll see the option to Roll Back Driver. Clicking this button will start the rollback process, which restores the previously installed version of the driver. Follow the prompts to complete the rollback, and restart your computer if necessary. This process is useful if you encounter performance
Tips for Managing Optional Updates
It’s a good idea to be proactive when it comes to optional updates. Check for optional updates regularly, especially if you’re looking to resolve a hardware issue or improve system performance. While not all optional updates are necessary, some can provide noticeable improvements. Generally, they should all be updated, but not necessarily as soon as they come out.
Before installing large system updates or major driver updates, it’s a good idea to back up your system. Creating a system restore point allows you to revert to a previous state if something goes wrong. To create a restore point, type “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar, select it from the list, and follow the on-screen instructions, best practice is to name the restore point descriptively with a date or event. This precaution can save you time and frustration if you must undo changes later.
Final Thoughts
Optional updates in Windows provide necessary software for firmware and drivers, offering significant benefits like better hardware compatibility, improved performance, and new features. While not all optional updates are essential, understanding which ones to install and when to install them can enhance your computer’s performance and stability. By learning how to check for, install, and manage these updates, you can take full control of your Windows system. Don’t forget to create system restore points and use the rollback option if you encounter issues. Take charge of your updates to keep your computer running smoothly
Links
Optional Updates in Windows 11, PC World
Check for and Install Optional Updates, Windows 11 Forum
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