Install Surface and Windows updates

Two types of updates keep Surface performing its best: Surface updates for the device hardware (also known as firmware), and Windows updates for the software. Surface installs both types automatically as they become available through the Windows Update service.

Important

• Plug your Surface into a working electrical outlet before installing updates. Don’t unplug or power off your Surface during the update process.
• If you have a Touch Cover or Type Cover, make sure that it’s attached before you turn on your Surface so that you get the updates for the Cover, too.

The amount of time it takes to install updates will vary -- depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the number and size of the updates.

Surface RT: Automatic updating is always on and cannot be disabled.

Surface Pro: You have the option to turn off automatic updating during Windows setup. Be aware that you won’t get notifications about available updates if you turn this feature off. We recommend you leave it on.

This article covers the following topics:

• Update Surface firmware
• Update Windows software
• See your update history
• Change Windows Update settings
• Problems installing updates?

When a Surface firmware update is available, you’ll see a notification on your Surface. Just follow the on-screen instructions to update Surface using Windows Update. Windows notifies you if you need to restart Surface to complete the installation of an update.

For descriptions of the Surface updates released so far, see:

• Surface RT update history
• Surface Pro update history

When a Windows software update becomes available, such as for security or performance improvements, it’s installed automatically on your Surface. Windows notifies you if you need to restart Surface to complete the installation of an update.

You can also check for updates manually. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings charm, and then tap or click Change PC Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap or click Windows Update.
3. Tap or click Check for updates now.
4. If there are updates available, tap or click Install.

To see what Windows and Surface updates you already have installed:

1. Open the Search charm, enter view update history, and then tap or click Settings.
2. Tap or click View update history, from the search results.
   A list of the updates that installed is shown.

Surface RT: Windows Update settings on Surface RT are always on and cannot be disabled. You can’t change Windows Update settings for Windows RT.

Surface Pro: To change your Windows Update settings:

1. Open the Search charm from the Start screen, enter Control Panel and then press Enter.
2. Tap or click System and Security, then tap or click Windows Update. From here you can:

• See your current settings and change them if you’d like
• View your update history
• Check for updates

For example, if you had turned off automatic updating during set up, and you want to turn this feature back on again, tap or click Change settings. Under Important updates, choose Install updates automatically (recommended).

For more info about Windows Update, see Windows automatic updating: Frequently asked questions.

If you’re having trouble installing an update, try running the Windows Update automatic troubleshooter. The troubleshooter can fix some common problems with Windows Update.

If you’re still having a problem, see Troubleshoot problems with installing updates or search Windows Help for solutions.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Search charm, enter help in the search box, and then tap or click Help and Support in the search results on the left.
2. Enter Windows updates in the search box.
   Topics related to Windows Update are shown.

If you can’t install updates because of Wi-Fi problems, see Can’t connect to a wireless network?