How to Install Optional Updates on Windows 10

You can install optional updates on Windows 10 from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Run a new update check, open View optional updates if it appears, select only the updates you want, and choose Download and install. Optional driver updates are not installed automatically.

There is one important current caveat: Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 when possible. Windows 10 PCs can still run, and eligible devices may receive Extended Security Updates, but ESU does not add new features or non-security updates. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.

How to install optional updates on Windows 10

The steps below follow Microsoft's current Windows 10 driver-update guidance. Save any open work first because a restart may be needed.

1. Open Settings. Press Windows + I, or open Start and select Settings.

2. Open Update & Security. Select Windows Update in the left pane.

3. Check for updates. Select Check for updates and let Windows finish scanning. Microsoft specifically includes this scan before looking for optional drivers.

4. Open View optional updates. If the link appears, select it. Depending on what Windows finds, you may see categories such as Driver updates or other optional items.

5. Expand the relevant category. For drivers, review the device or component named in the list. Do not select every driver by default; an optional driver is most useful when you are trying to solve a specific hardware problem or need a driver Windows did not install automatically.

6. Select the update. Check the box next to the driver or optional update you want.
7. Choose Download and install. Windows Update will download the selected package and begin installing it.

8. Restart the PC. Microsoft recommends restarting after driver updates finish, even if Windows does not explicitly require a restart.

What are optional updates?

On Windows 10, the most relevant optional updates for many users are optional driver updates. Windows Update normally installs recommended drivers automatically, while optional drivers require you to choose them manually. Microsoft notes that these optional drivers can help with a specific device problem, while normal automatic updating is sufficient for most systems. The current Microsoft instructions are available in its hardware-driver update guide.

Before Windows 10 reached end of support, optional updates could also include non-security preview updates and other changes. Those should not be confused with security servicing. For Windows 10 ESU devices, Microsoft states that ESU is limited to eligible critical and important security updates and does not include new features or non-security updates.

Why is “View optional updates” missing?

If View optional updates is not shown after a completed scan, Windows usually has no optional items to offer that PC at that moment. Optional drivers are hardware-specific, so two Windows 10 computers can receive different lists.

Run Check for updates once more if you have not scanned recently. On a work or school PC, update policies set by an administrator can also affect which optional updates are offered. If you are looking for a driver that Windows Update cannot find, Microsoft recommends checking the hardware manufacturer's official support site for a version compatible with your Windows release.

Should you install every optional driver?

No. If your keyboard, Wi-Fi adapter, graphics device, printer, or other hardware is already working properly, there is usually no reason to install every older or alternate driver listed under Optional updates. Treat these packages as targeted troubleshooting choices rather than a checklist.

Also, do not judge a driver only by an unusually old-looking date. Driver selection involves compatibility and ranking, not just the displayed date. Focus on the device name, vendor, version, and whether the update addresses a problem you actually have.

If an optional driver causes a problem

Open Device Manager, right-click the affected device, choose Properties, open the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if that button is available. Microsoft notes that rollback requires administrator permissions and only works when a previous driver version is still present. See Microsoft's Device Manager driver guidance.