I need to work around Windows Update because it fails more often than it succeeds on one of my systems. Does anyone know how to find out what updates are available without using Settings\Updates & Security so I can download them directly from the Windows Update Catalogue?
Use MS Update Catalog and search for the KB# you need.
Microsoft Update Catalog
1) Reviewing my question, it's obvious to me that I should have been clearer. What I need to know is what updates to download. My mistake. What I'm looking for is a way to find out which updates are pending to be installed on the specific system without opening "Settings\Updates and Security" to see the list.
2) One of the updates I need was not in the catalogue. Try KB2267602. Yea, I know. It's available on the Defender update web site. But even at that, the page is neither clear nor useful. The update there was monstrous. Far larger than the normal defender update so I have been reluctant to start a download. Another great testimony to Automatic Updates.
I thank you for you willingness to help. People like you are much appreciated.
Last edited by rwhite1; 23 Sep 2017 at 16:42.
Would the windows update mini tool help in this case - it does show what’s available to download.
@rwhite1
With all due respect, maybe you should be trying to solve the issue of Windows Update not functioning correctly instead of trying to get around it. What you have described sounds like an ongoing problem and shouldn't be ignored.
Try fixing Windows Update: Reset Windows Update in Windows 10 Windows 10 Windows Update Activation Tutorials
As far as the direct download of Defender signatures, it's due to the fact it includes the entire current database of Windows Defender signatures, whereas a daily update is only the adds/removes/changes. So it will be large.
Yea, you're right. And don't think I haven't tried that: resetting windows update and starting over, multiple restarts, DISM, system scans, automatic system repair, non-destructive reinstall, stopping all startup programs, etc. Since I've had success installing problem updates from the catalogue I hoped in this case it would save me having to do a clean reinstall and then reinstalling all the apps and their updates. I've done that before on the system and it takes several days. Multiple systems all fighting for bandwidth to update at the same time on a slow connection brings it to a halt.
I looked at the Update MiniTool as was suggested and it looks like it just may be what I'm looking for. Ill give it a try. Thanks all.
The update minitool will probably be fine.
As an alternative, you can use dism++
Dism++ | New Windows Utility
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