Quick Answer
To update software using Software Center: Open Software Center from the Start menu, click the Updates tab, review the pending updates list, and click Install All (or install individual updates). Restart your computer if prompted to complete the installation.
- 1Open Software Center from the Start menu
- 2Click the Updates tab at the top
- 3Review the list of pending updates
- 4Click Install All or select individual updates to install
- 5Restart your computer if prompted
Finding the Updates Section in Software Center
When you open Software Center, you will see several tabs at the top of the window. The Updates tab shows all software updates that your IT department has published for your computer. This is different from Windows Update — the Software Center Updates tab shows updates for IT-managed applications and configurations, not standard Windows system updates (unless your IT department has configured them there).
If the Updates tab shows as empty, it means there are no pending updates for your device at this time. Your IT team may not have published any updates yet, or your software is already up to date.
How to Update Software in Software Center
Open Software Center
Click the Start menu and type "Software Center" in the search bar. Click the Software Center application to open it. If you need help opening it, see our guide on how to open Software Center.
Navigate to the Updates Tab
At the top of the Software Center window, click the Updates tab. You will see a list of all pending updates organized by software name, current version, and new version.
Review the Update List
Look through the updates listed. Each entry shows the software name, a brief description of what the update contains, the size of the update, and whether it is Required (installs automatically by deadline) or Available (you choose when to install).
Install All Updates at Once
To install all pending updates in one action, click the Install All button at the top right of the Updates tab. Software Center will queue all updates and install them sequentially.
Install Specific Updates
To install only selected updates, click on an individual update in the list, review the details, and click the Install button. You can also select multiple updates using checkboxes and click Install Selected.
Monitor Installation Progress
Software Center shows installation progress for each update. Some updates install silently in the background while others show progress dialogs. Do not close Software Center until all installations complete.
Handle Restart Requests
Some updates require a computer restart to complete. If Software Center shows a restart notification, save all your work in other applications and then click Restart Now or choose to Snooze the restart for a set time.
Types of Updates in Software Center
| Update Type | Who Installs It | Restart Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available Update | User chooses when to install | Sometimes | Optional Adobe Reader update |
| Required Update | Auto-installs at deadline | Often | Security patch for Windows or Office |
| Deadline Reached | Installs immediately | May force restart | Critical security update past deadline |
Scheduling Updates in Software Center
If you need to control when an Available update installs, you can schedule it for a specific time:
- Click on the update in the Updates tab to open its details.
- Look for a Schedule or Install After button if available.
- Set a date and time when you want the update to install — typically choose after-hours times to minimize interruption.
- Click OK or Schedule to save your selection.
Note that not all organizations allow update scheduling — your IT administrator may have disabled this option to ensure updates install in a timely manner.
Troubleshooting Software Center Update Problems
Common issues when updating software through Software Center and how to resolve them:
- Update fails with error code: Note the error code and check Microsoft's documentation or contact your IT helpdesk. Common codes like 0x80070002 indicate missing files; 0x800706BA indicates connectivity issues with the SCCM server.
- Update stuck at 0% for a long time: Close and reopen Software Center. If still stuck, try restarting the SMS Agent Host service in Services or contact your IT helpdesk.
- Update disappears from the list without installing: Your IT administrator may have removed the deployment. It may also have been superseded by a newer update. Check with your IT team.
- Updates tab is empty but you expect updates: Your device may need to refresh its policy. Right-click the Software Center taskbar icon if present and choose Check for Updates, or contact IT helpdesk to trigger a policy refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
To check for updates in Software Center, open the application and click on the Updates tab at the top. This tab shows all pending software updates published by your IT department. The list includes the software name, update version, and whether the update is optional or required. If the tab is empty, there are no pending updates for your device at this time.
Next Steps
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