Reviewing the Windows Update History

by Barry Dysert
(last updated January 4, 2016)

Whenever you attempt a Windows Update installation, a behind-the-scenes update history log is modified. This log is in a file called "C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log". While this file is humanly-readable, it's encoded to the point where you're probably better off reviewing the Windows Update history through the Windows Update system. Follow these steps:

  1. Display the Control Panel.
  2. Click the Programs category.
  3. Under the Programs and Features heading, click View Installed Updates. Windows displays the Installed Update screen. (See Figure 1.)

    4. Figure 1. Windows Update history screen.

    Windows shows the name of each update and, if you scroll the screen to the right, the date on which it was installed. When you're finished reviewing your updates, just close the Control Panel.

 This tip (5646) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 30 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer.  He is currently a senior software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. ...

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