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Do you know how to Add “Check for Updates” Context Menu Option in Windows. Windows 11 has a built-in feature that will check for updates and install them if they are found. As a rule, Microsoft releases new patches every month to fix a number of Windows bugs and flaws. Some of these updates may get missed, so you may need to check for new ones by hand. For example, you may need to check for the driver update when setting up a new device or downloading a new Windows Insider Preview.
Windows 11/10 will sometimes check for updates on its own, but you may need to do it yourself sometimes, like when you’re trying to download a new Windows Insider Preview build or a driver update when setting up a new device. But it takes a lot of clicks just to get to the settings. It takes even more clicks to see the history of updates or change the options for restarting.
You can change the right-click menu on your desktop to add more options to check for updates and get to different settings, like the update history to see if an update was installed correctly. Some changes to the Registry will let you do this. There are now more ways to quickly check for updates in the right-click menu in Windows 10. This guide will show you how to do it. We’ll also show you how to Add “Check for Updates” Context Menu Option in Windows so that you can quickly get to the update history, restart options, advanced options, and more.
How to Add “Check for Updates” Context Menu Option in Windows
Via Context Menu

- To open that app, right-click the Start button and choose the Run shortcut.
- Type regedit into the Open box and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
- Then go to the following registry key: Computer > HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > DesktopBackground > Shell.
- To get to the New submenu, right-click the Shell key.
- Click on the Key button.
- Make the name of the new key “Check for Updates.”
- Click the Check for Updates key, then right-click and choose “New” from the menu that comes up.
- Once more, click the Key button.
- Now type the command for the name of the new key.
- Next, right-click a blank space on the right side of the Registry Editor and choose “New > String Value.” This will add a string value to the key that you just selected.
- Type SettingsURI as the name of the new string.
- A window to edit strings will appear when you double-click SettingsURI.
- In the Value data box, type ms-settings:windowsupdate-action and click OK.
- To make a new string value, right-click the command key and choose “New.”
- Type in the string title DelegateExecute, then press the “Return” key.
- To see its Value data box, double-click the DelegateExecute string.
- In the Value data text box, type {556FF0D6-A1EE-49E5-9FA4-90AE116AD744}, then press the OK button.
- Close the window for the Registry Editor.
Via Winaero Tweaker
- Use your web browser to go to this Winaero Tweaker page.
- After that, click the link that says “Click here to download file.”
- The downloaded setup file lets you set up and run the Winaero Tweaker software. This Winaero Tweaker customization guide has full instructions on how to install the software.
- In Winaero Tweaker’s left sidebar, double-click the Context menu category.
- Go to Windows Update and click on it.
- Choose the option to add the Windows Update submenu to the desktop from the context menu.
Why You Should Customize Your Context Menu
- Efficiency: By customizing your context menu, you can streamline your workflow. You can add frequently used commands or shortcuts, allowing you to access them quickly without navigating through multiple menus or options.
- Productivity: Tailoring your context menu to your specific needs can significantly boost productivity. You can remove or hide options you rarely use, reducing clutter and simplifying the menu for faster decision-making.
- Personalization: Customization allows you to make your computer environment more personalized. You can add your favorite applications, scripts, or tools to the context menu, making your computer feel more like your own.
- Time-Saving: With a customized context menu, you can save time on repetitive tasks. Whether it’s copying files, editing images, or launching specific programs, having relevant options readily available can save you valuable minutes throughout the day.
- Reduced Errors: Simplifying the context menu can help prevent accidental clicks on unwanted options. This can reduce the risk of errors, especially when dealing with critical tasks or sensitive files.
Requirements for Adding “Check for Updates” to the Context Menu
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
Software | Winaero Tweaker must be installed on your computer. |
Operating System | Compatible with Windows operating systems, such as Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. |
Administrative Privileges | You must have administrative privileges to make changes to the context menu. |
Context Menu Category | Context menu category in Winaero Tweaker should be accessible in the left sidebar. |
Windows Update | The option to Check for Updates should be available within the Windows Update section. |
Desktop | You should be able to choose to add the Windows Update submenu to the desktop. |
Benefits of Having “Check for Updates” in the Context Menu
- Convenience: Users can quickly and easily check for updates without navigating through multiple menus or settings. It streamlines the process, making it more user-friendly.
- Timely Updates: Users are more likely to check for updates regularly when it’s easily accessible. This helps ensure that their software, operating system, or applications are up to date, improving system security and stability.
- User Control: It gives users more control over when updates are checked and installed. Some users prefer to manually initiate updates to avoid disruptions during critical work or when they have limited bandwidth.
- Security: Keeping software and systems up to date is essential for cybersecurity. An easily accessible “Check for Updates” option encourages users to stay current with security patches, reducing vulnerability to threats.
- Bug Fixes and Improvements: Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Allowing users to check for updates ensures they can take advantage of these enhancements.
- Customization: Users can choose when to check for updates based on their preferences, which can be especially useful in corporate environments or for power users who want more control.
Questions and Answers
If you can’t find the Windows Check for Updates button in Settings, you need to check the Group Policy settings. To fix this problem, turn off the blocking that is making the Settings page invisible.
Windows won’t check for updates, so why is that? If you get the message “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates,” it means that either the Windows Update service is not running or the temporary update folder in Windows is damaged.
Type SFC /scannow and press Enter in the command prompt window. The system file checker utility checks the integrity of Windows system files and fixes them if they need to be. Restart the computer when the process is done.