How to Search and Install Optional Updates in Windows 11

This article describes steps one can take to search for and install Optional Updates in Windows 11.

By default, Windows Update is configured to automatically connect to Microsoft’s internet servers and search for and install the latest fixes and security patches to help keep your devices running smoothly and securely.

In most cases, restarting your device will complete the update process. While restarting, it is recommended that you keep your device plugged into a power source or have enough battery life to complete the update.

Windows also has an Optional Updates feature. Some Windows features, device drivers, and some apps that can not automatically be installed via Windows Update are kept under the Optional Update.

Below is how users can search for and install Optional Updates in Windows 11.

How to find and install Optional Updates in Windows 11

As mentioned above, some Windows features, device drivers, and some apps that can not automatically be installed via Windows Update are kept under the Optional Updates.

Here’s how to search for and install Optional Updates in Windows 11

First, open the Windows Settings app.

To do that, click on the Start menu -> and select the Settings app.

windows 11 new settings button
windows 11 new settings button

In the Settings app, click on the Windows Update button on the left.

windows 11 windows update in settings app
windows 11 windows update in the settings app

On the right, select the Advanced options tile to expand.

windows 11 windows update advanced option tile
windows 11 windows update advanced option tile

On the Windows Update -> Advanced options expanded tile, under Additional options, select the Optional updates tile to expand.

windows 11 windows update advanced options optional updates
windows 11 windows update advanced options optional updates

On the Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Optional updates settings pane, expand the category tiles for Driver updates or Other updates.

Select the box next to the driver that’s associated with the device you’re attempting to install. Once you select a box, the Download & install button will be highlighted.

windows 11 windows update optional update settings for drivers and others
windows 11 windows update optional update settings for drivers and others

This will take you back to the Windows Update pane, and begin to download the selected updates.

windows 11 download and install optional update button
windows 11 download and install optional update button

The device drivers and other updates you select will be downloaded and installed. If a restart is required to complete the update, you will be prompted to do so.

Alternatively, you can schedule a restart at a later time.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-optional-drivers-for-your-printer-manually-in-windows-11-8d3578cb-aa38-4a69-9ad3-7b99a19fda62

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to search for and install Optional updates in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.