Laptop updates keep your laptop secure, stable, and running well. There are four main types: operating system updates from Windows Update, driver updates for hardware like the graphics card and touchpad, BIOS updates for the laptop’s firmware, and app updates. Most install automatically. On an HP laptop, you can check for all of them through Windows Update and the HP app or HP Support Assistant.
In this laptop updates glossary, we explain each type of update, why updates matter, how to install them, and how to manage automatic updates so they don’t interrupt your work. For more laptop terms, visit our laptop glossary.
Types of Laptop Updates
Each type of update covers a different layer of your laptop. Operating system updates protect and improve Windows itself, driver updates help Windows work with your hardware, BIOS updates improve the laptop’s firmware, and app updates fix and improve the programs you use. Keeping all four current gives you the best security and performance.
| Update type | What it updates | How it’s delivered | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 security fixes, bug fixes, and new features | Windows Update | Security updates monthly; feature updates about once a year |
| Drivers | Software that controls hardware, like graphics, Wi-Fi, audio, and touchpad | Windows Update, the HP app, or HP Support Assistant | As needed |
| BIOS and firmware | The low-level software that starts the laptop and manages hardware, power, and fans | The HP app, HP Support Assistant, or Windows Update | A few times a year |
| Apps | Programs like browsers, office apps, and games | Microsoft Store, the app itself, or the developer’s website | Varies by app |
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. Modern laptops use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), but the term BIOS is still widely used.
Why laptop updates matter
- Security: Updates close vulnerabilities that malware and hackers could use
- Stability: Bug fixes reduce crashes, freezes, and error messages
- Performance: Driver and BIOS updates can improve speed, battery life, and fan control
- Compatibility: Updates help new apps, games, and accessories work correctly
- New features: Windows feature updates and app updates add tools and improvements
When an operating system reaches end of support, it stops receiving security updates. For example, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, with optional Extended Security Updates available for a limited time. Chromebooks also have an end-of-updates date, as our Chromebook glossary explains. Learn more in our software updates glossary and operating systems glossary.
How to Update Your Laptop
To update a Windows laptop, go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates, then restart when prompted. For HP drivers and BIOS updates, open the HP app or HP Support Assistant and install any available updates. Keep the laptop plugged in during updates, especially BIOS updates.
Update Windows
- Open Windows Update. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Check for updates. Select Check for updates and let Windows download and install them.
- Install optional updates. Select Advanced options > Optional updates to see driver and feature updates that aren’t installed automatically.
- Restart. Restart when prompted, then check again until no updates remain.
Update HP drivers and BIOS
- Plug in the charger. BIOS updates need steady power to finish safely.
- Open the HP app or HP Support Assistant. Look for the updates or support section.
- Check for updates. Install recommended driver and BIOS updates for your model.
- Don’t interrupt BIOS updates. The laptop may restart several times. Don’t close the lid, unplug it, or turn it off until it finishes.
You can also download drivers and BIOS updates for your exact model from HP’s support website. For more detail, see our guide on how to update an HP laptop and our drivers and firmware glossary.
Update apps
- Microsoft Store apps: Open the Microsoft Store, select Library, and choose Get updates. Turn on automatic app updates in Store settings.
- Other apps: Most apps check for updates on their own or have an Update option in their Help or Settings menu.
- Web browsers: Browsers usually update automatically when you restart them.
If an update causes a problem, you can uninstall it in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. See our backups, troubleshooting, and resets glossary for more fixes.
Managing Automatic Updates
Windows 11 installs updates automatically to keep your laptop secure, but you can control when they install and restart. Set active hours so Windows doesn’t restart while you’re working, pause updates for a short time when you need to, and schedule restarts for a convenient moment. Turning updates off completely isn’t recommended, because it leaves your laptop open to security risks.
| Setting | What it does | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Active hours | Prevents automatic restarts during the hours you usually use your laptop | Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours |
| Pause updates | Delays updates for one week at a time, for up to several weeks | Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates |
| Schedule a restart | Lets you pick when to restart after an update downloads | Settings > Windows Update, when a restart is pending |
| Restart notifications | Shows a reminder before Windows restarts | Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options |
| Get the latest updates early | Installs new non-security updates as soon as they’re available | Settings > Windows Update |
| Metered connection | Limits automatic downloads on mobile hotspots or limited data plans | Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > your network |
Tips for stress-free updates
- Restart your laptop at least once a week so pending updates can finish
- Keep the laptop plugged in when installing large or BIOS updates
- Save your work before restarting for an update
- Keep at least 10GB to 20GB of free storage so updates have room to install
- Turn on automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store
For business laptops, your IT team may control update timing through device management tools; see our device management glossary. For more ways to keep your laptop secure, see our laptop security and safety glossary.
Laptop Updates FAQs
How do I update my laptop?
To update a Windows laptop, go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates, then restart when prompted. On an HP laptop, also use the HP app or HP Support Assistant to install HP driver and BIOS updates.
Why are laptop updates important?
Laptop updates are important because they fix security vulnerabilities, reduce crashes and bugs, improve performance and battery life, and keep apps and accessories compatible. Skipping updates leaves a laptop more exposed to malware.
How often should I update my laptop?
Windows checks for updates automatically, and Microsoft releases security updates every month. Check for HP driver and BIOS updates every few months, and restart your laptop at least once a week so updates can finish installing.
Is it safe to update my laptop’s BIOS?
Yes, updating a laptop’s BIOS is safe when you use official updates from HP, keep the laptop plugged in, and don’t interrupt the update. BIOS updates can fix bugs and improve stability, battery life, and fan control.
Can I turn off automatic updates in Windows 11?
Windows 11 lets you pause updates for a limited time, set active hours, and schedule restarts, but it doesn’t offer a simple setting to turn updates off permanently. Keeping automatic updates on is recommended for security.
What is a driver update?
A driver update is new software that helps Windows communicate with a piece of hardware, such as the graphics card, Wi-Fi, audio, or touchpad. Driver updates can fix problems and improve performance.
Why is my laptop taking so long to update?
A laptop update can take a long time because of a large feature update, a slow internet connection, low free storage, or an older drive. Keep the laptop plugged in and connected, and avoid turning it off during the update.
What should I do if an update causes problems?
If an update causes problems, restart the laptop first. If the issue continues, uninstall the update in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, or use System Restore.
