Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, brings a sleek new interface and several performance improvements. To ensure the system remains secure and up-to-date, Microsoft periodically releases updates known as Knowledge Base (KB) updates. These updates fix various bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities.
But how do you check if a KB update is already installed on your Windows 11 computer? In this article, we’ll explore different methods to verify whether a specific KB update has been installed on your computer.
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Check if a Windows Update (KB) is installed
Before diving into the different methods, it’s important to note that you can choose any of these techniques based on your comfort level and familiarity with the respective tools. Each method will allow you to find the desired information effectively.
Also see: How to Restart Windows Update Service on Windows 11
Check Windows Update history using Settings app
The Settings app in Windows 11 provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface to manage various aspects of your computer, including checking for installed KB updates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:
- Press Win + X or right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner of the screen to open the Quick Access menu. This menu provides shortcuts to various system management tools and settings.
- Click on Settings to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can also press Win + i to directly open the Settings app.
- In the Settings app, you’ll find several categories listed in the left sidebar. Select Windows Update, which is responsible for managing updates on your system.
- In the Windows Update section, you’ll see the Update status, which shows whether your system is up-to-date or if there are pending updates. To view the update history, click on Update history.
- A new window will open, displaying a list of installed updates categorized by type, such as Cumulative Updates, Security Updates, and more. Scroll through the list to find the specific KB update you’re interested in. If it’s installed, you’ll find it listed along with the installation date and other details.
Useful tip: How to See What Drivers Are Installed in Windows 11
View installed updates using Control Panel
The Control Panel has long been the go-to place for managing various aspects of Windows systems, including checking for installed updates. Here’s a detailed explanation of the steps:
- Press Win + S to open the search bar, located in the taskbar.
- Type “Control Panel” and click on the app when it appears in the search results. This will launch the Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, you’ll find several categories and options. To see all available options, set the “View by” dropdown menu, located in the upper-right corner of the window, to “Small icons” or “Large icons.”
- Click on the Programs and Features option. This section allows you to manage installed programs and features on your computer.
- In the Programs and Features window, you’ll find a list of installed software. To view the installed updates, click on View installed updates in the left sidebar.
- The Installed Updates window will display a list of all updates installed on your system. Scroll through the list or use the search bar in the upper-right corner to find the specific KB update you’re looking for. The update details include the KB number, update name, installation date, and more.
Related guide: How to Delete Windows Update Files in Windows 11
List installed KB updates using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is a powerful command-line tool that allows you to perform various tasks and manage your system. Here’s a detailed explanation of the steps to check for installed KB updates using the Command Prompt:
- Press Win + S to open the search bar.
- Type “Command Prompt” and click on the app when it appears in the search results. To open an elevated Command Prompt with administrative privileges, right-click on the app and select “Run as administrator.”
- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:
wmic qfe list brief /format:table
This command uses the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool to query for installed updates (Quick Fix Engineering or QFE) and displays the results in a table format.
- Press Enter to execute the command. The command will display a list of installed updates, including their KB numbers, descriptions, installation dates, and more. Look for the specific KB update you’re interested in by scrolling through the list or using the Find feature in the Command Prompt window (press Ctrl + F and enter the KB number or a keyword to search).
Related issue: Windows Update Troubleshooter Not Working Windows 10/11
Check if a KB update is installed using PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful scripting and automation tool that allows you to manage various aspects of your system, including checking for installed KB updates. Here’s a detailed explanation of the steps to check for installed KB updates using PowerShell:
- Press Win + X or right-click the Start button to open the Quick Access menu.
- Click on Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open an elevated PowerShell window with administrative privileges.
- In the PowerShell window, enter the following command:
Get-HotFix | Format-Table -AutoSize
This command uses the Get-HotFix cmdlet to retrieve information about installed updates and formats the output as a table with automatic column resizing for better readability.
- Press Enter to execute the command. The command will display a list of installed updates, including their KB numbers, descriptions, installation dates, and more. Look for the specific KB update you’re interested in by scrolling through the list.
If you already know the KB number for the update you’re looking for, you can search for it directly using the following command:
Get-HotFix -Id KBXXXXXXX
Replace KBXXXXXXX with the actual KB number you’re searching for, and press Enter. If the update is installed, PowerShell will display information about the update, including its description, installation date, and more. If it’s not installed, you’ll see a message stating, “Cannot find the requested hotfix on the localhost.”
More on this topic: Game Lag and Slow Performance After Windows Update
Why would you want to check if a KB update is installed on your computer?
Checking if a KB update is installed in Windows 11 or Windows 10 can help you solve issues and and optimize the overall functionality of your system, such as:
- Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing issues with your system after an update, verifying the installed KB updates can help identify if a specific update is causing the problem. This information is valuable for troubleshooting and finding potential solutions.
- System stability: Ensuring that you have the latest KB updates installed can help maintain system stability by fixing known bugs and performance issues.
- Security: KB updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities in the operating system. Verifying that these updates are installed helps you ensure that your system is protected against potential security threats.
- Software compatibility: Some applications may require specific KB updates to function correctly. Checking if these updates are installed can help you avoid compatibility issues and improve the performance of your software.
- Efficient support: If you’re providing technical support to others, knowing how to check for installed KB updates can help you quickly diagnose issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored four methods to check if a specific KB update is installed on a Windows 11 system. You can use the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, depending on your preference. Regularly checking for and installing KB updates is crucial for keeping your Windows 11 system secure and up-to-date.
By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can easily verify whether your system has the latest updates, troubleshoot issues related to updates, or even provide support to others who might need assistance with their Windows 11 systems.