How to Check and Run Windows Updates with a Screen Reader

Question

How can I check and run Windows Updates using a screen reader?

 

Answer

How to Check if updates are available

Note: Windows 11 automatically checks for updates when your computer is on. You can also perform a manual check at any time.

  • Open Settings:
    • Press the Windows logo key +I.
      • For Narrator and NVDA users, you hear: "Settings window, search box, find a setting."
      • For JAWS users, you hear: "Settings, search box, find a setting."
  • Search for Windows Update:
    • Type Update in the search field. The results update as you type.
      • For Narrator users, you hear: "Suggestions."
      • For JAWS and NVDA users, you hear the number of results. Press the Down arrow key until you hear "Windows Update settings," and press Enter to open the Windows Update page.
  • Check for Updates:
    • Press the Tab key until you hear "Check for updates, button," and press Enter.
      • Windows takes a moment to check for updates.
      • For JAWS Users, the “Checking for updates” message is not automatically read. Use the Virtual PC Cursor (activate it with the numpad dash key) and press the Down arrow key to read the message. After checking is complete, deactivate the Virtual Cursor by pressing the numpad plus key.
      • For NVDA users, Use Insert+B to read the displayed screen.
  • Install Available Updates:
    • When updates are available you will hear "Updates available," and Windows automatically starts downloading and installing the updates. After installation, you may hear: "Restart required" and can do one of the following:
      • Restart Later: Simply continue working; updates will finish the next time you restart your computer.
      • Restart Now: Save your work, close open apps, and on the Windows Update page in Settings, press Shift+Tab until you hear "Restart now," then press Enter to restart your computer.

How to Check for Additional Updates

Note: Sometimes, updates are available even if you hear "You're up to date" when checking for updates. These updates typically include monthly non-security updates or feature updates released twice per year.

To check for additional updates:

  • Open Settings:
    • Press the Windows logo key +I.
      • For Narrator and NVDA users, you hear: "Settings window, search box, find a setting."
      • For JAWS users, you hear: "Settings, search box, find a setting."
  • Search for Updates:
    • Type Update in the search field. The results update as you type.
      • For Narrator users, you hear: "Suggestions."
      • For JAWS and NVDA users, you hear the number of results. Press the Down arrow key until you hear "Windows Update settings," and press Enter to open the Windows Update page.
  • Access Advanced Options:
    • Press the Tab key until you hear "Advanced options, more, button," and then press Enter.
    • Press the Tab key until you hear "Optional updates, more, button," and then press Enter.
  • Select Updates:
    • If updates are available, you hear the category name (e.g., "Driver updates,") followed by "Show all settings, button," and either "Expanded" or "Collapsed." If you hear "Collapsed," press Enter to expand the category.
    • Press the Tab key until you hear the name of the first update, followed by "Checkbox." Press Spacebar to select or clear the checkbox. Note: You usually need to press the Tab key twice per each update to reach the checkbox.
    • Press Tab or Shift+Tab to navigate between categories and updates.
    • Repeat steps until you have checked all available categories and updates and selected the ones you want to install.
  • Download and Install Updates:
    • Press Tab until you hear "Download and install," and then press Enter. Windows starts downloading and installing the selected updates.
    • Note: Additional updates may take longer to download and install due to their size.
  • Restart Your Computer (if required):
    • If you hear "Restart required," you can:
      • Restart Later: Continue working; the update will finish when you restart your computer.
      • Restart Now: Save your work, close open apps, and on the Windows Update page in Settings, press Shift+Tab until you hear "Restart now." Press Enter to restart your computer. Note: Restarting might take longer than usual as the update process completes.

For Additional Assistance

For more information, please contact the IT Accessibility Center at itaccessibilitycenter@missouri.edu or call (573) 884-2828.

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