How to Update Windows Phone

As of October 2017, Microsoft no longer issues Windows Phone updates other than those related to security issues.[1] These security updates will remain available until the final support date, which is December 10, 2019. This wikiHow teaches you how to make sure your Windows Phone has the most recent updates from Microsoft.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows 10 Mobile

  1. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 1
    1
    Plug your Windows Phone into a power source. Your phone should be fully charged or connected to power before you begin an update.
    • Make sure your phone has at least 500MB of free space before attempting an update.
    • If you're not already connected to Wi-Fi, you should do so now.
  2. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 2
    2
    Swipe down from the top of the home screen. A list of tiles will appear.[2]
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  3. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 3
    3
    Tap the All Settings tile. It should be at the bottom-right corner of the tile list.
  4. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 4
    4
    Scroll down and tap Update and security. It's the option with two curved arrows.
  5. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 5
    5
    Tap Phone update. It's at the top of the list.
  6. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 6
    6
    Tap Check for updates. If no update is available, you'll see a message that says you're already running the latest version. If an update is available, you'll see its version number.
  7. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 7
    7
    Tap the update and follow the on-screen instructions. Your Windows phone will now download and install the most recent updates.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Windows 8.1 Mobile

  1. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 8
    1
    Plug your Windows Phone into a power source. Your phone should be fully charged or connected to power before you begin an update.
    • Make sure your phone has at least 500MB of free space before attempting an update.
    • If you're not already connected to Wi-Fi, you should do so now.
  2. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 9
    2
    Swipe left across the home screen. This opens your app list.
  3. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 10
    3
    Scroll down and tap settings. It's toward the bottom of the menu.
  4. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 11
    4
    Tap phone update. It's near the middle of the screen.
  5. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 12
    5
    Tap check for updates. It's near the top of the page. After a few seconds, you'll see a message at the top of the screen that tells you whether an update is available.
  6. Image titled Update Windows Phone Step 13
    6
    Tap install to update your Windows Phone. If an update is available, this button will appear at the top of the page. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the update. Your phone will restart automatically when the update is complete.
    • To install the update at a later time, select a time from the "Preferred installation time" menu.
    • If no update is available, you'll see a message that says "Your phone is up to date."
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Why do I have to be connected to a WiFi network in order to perform an update?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Because the updates involve downloading very large files and you would burn through all of the data in your data plan if you downloaded these files without WiFi.
  • Question
    How do I run Windows 10 on my Lumia phone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Search on Google for "offline update Lumia to W10M". There will be a page from XDA-Developers that will help.
  • Question
    Can I use mobile data to perform an update on my Windows phone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you would burn through all of the data in your data plan if you downloaded these files without WiFi.
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Warnings

  • If your phone is stuck in between any of the processes and if you are unable to use the phone or reset it, take it to the nearest service center and request them to update your phone as well.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If your phone gets stuck on the spinning gear page:
    • Connect your charger and charge your phone for at least an hour.
    • Start up your phone by pressing and holding the power key until the phone vibrates. The phone should now be able to start.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If the phone does not show the start screen, it necessary to provide a soft reset. A soft reset erases all content in the phone.
    • Disconnect charger, press and hold Power Button + Volume Down until the phone vibrates.
    • When the phone vibrates, press and hold Volume Down until the phone displays an exclamation mark.
    • Press the keys in following order: Volume up, Volume Down, Power, and Volume Down.
    • Wait for your phone to reset. This should display the spinning gears for a maximum of 5 minutes and reboot the device.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-ending-security-updates-for-windows-phone-december-10-2019-1
  2. ↑ https://devicesupport.swisscom.ch/microsoft/lumia-950-xl/software-update-reset/update-phone-software/

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 84,726 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: January 7, 2021
Views: 84,726
Categories: Telephones
Article SummaryX

1. Plug into a power source and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Swipe down from the top of the home screen.
3. Tap All Settings.
4. Tap Update and security.
5. Tap Phone update.
6. Tap Check for updates.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Did this summary help you?
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