Windows Update history on Windows 10 provides a detailed record of every quality and feature update installed on your device. This log helps you verify which builds have been applied, understand when changes were delivered, and troubleshoot update-related issues.
For IT professionals and power users, the update history is a key source of information for compliance, diagnostics, and planning future deployments. The following sections explore how to view, interpret, and use this history effectively.
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Update Type | Quality Update, Feature Update, or Driver |
| KB Article | Associated Microsoft Knowledge Base identifier |
| Installation Date | Timestamp when the update was applied |
| Status | Installed, Failed, or Pending |
| Release Notes Link | URL to official documentation for the update |
Viewing Installed Updates in Settings
You can review your Windows 10 update history directly from the Settings app. This interface is designed for everyday users and provides a clear, chronological list of installed updates.
Navigate to Update History
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select View update history to see the full list of updates applied to your system.
Identify Key Details
Each entry typically includes the update name, its KB number, the installation date, and whether the update was delivered successfully or encountered an error.
Using Control Panel for Detailed History
The Control Panel offers an alternative method to access Windows Update history, including more detailed views that may show additional system-level entries.
Open Programs and Features
In Control Panel, navigate to Programs > Programs and Features, then click View installed updates to browse a sortable list of installed updates.
Filter and Export Data
You can scroll through the list, sort by name or date, and manually capture details for documentation or support scenarios.
Interpreting Update Statuses
Understanding the status of each entry helps you determine whether an update is fully applied or if further action is required on your system.
Installed Entries
Indicates the update was successfully applied and is active on the device.
Failed Entries
Signals that the update did not complete, which may require troubleshooting or manual reinstallation.
Planning for Future Updates
Reviewing your Windows Update history regularly supports proactive maintenance, clearer troubleshooting, and smoother compliance tracking over time.
- Check update history monthly to confirm that critical patches are being applied.
- Export the history before major system changes for comparison and rollback reference.
- Use KB articles to look up known issues or mitigations for specific updates.
- Leverage Group Policy or WSUS in enterprise environments to manage update deployment schedules.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I export my Windows 10 update history for documentation?
Use PowerShell with the Get-Hotfix cmdlet and redirect the output to a text file, for example Get-Hotfix | Out-File -FilePath C:\update_history.txt, to create a portable record of installed updates.
Can I uninstall a specific update shown in the history?
Yes, you can uninstall an update from Programs and Features in Control Panel or by using Settings > Apps > Apps & features on the specific update entry.
What should I do if an update shows failed status?
Run the built-in Update Troubleshooter or manually search for the latest cumulative update for your build from Microsoft Update Catalog.
How often does Windows 10 add new entries to the update history?
New entries are added each time a quality or feature update is installed, which can occur monthly for security updates and as needed for major feature releases.