Reviewing the Windows Update History

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated September 9, 2019)

Whenever you attempt a Windows Update installation, a behind-the-scenes update history log is modified. In earlier versions of Windows, this log is in a file called "C:\Windows\WindowsUpdate.log". Windows no longer directly produces a WindowsUpdate.log file in more recent versions of Windows. While the WindowsUpdate.log file is humanly readable, if available, 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 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

What is the Purpose of the Security Event Log?

The Security event log captures success and failure audit events when auditing is turned on. This tip explains a bit more ...

Discover More

Understanding Registry Value Data Types

Every key value in the registry has a data type. This tip explains the available data types supported in the registry.

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Delete an Existing Power Scheme

You may have created a new power scheme for whatever reason, but when it has outlived its usefulness, you want to delete ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Limiting Bandwidth for Updates

Use a new advanced feature in Settings to limit upload bandwidth usage. By setting the absolute bandwidth an update can ...

Discover More

Adjusting Vison Settings in the Ease of Access Center

If you have vision impairments that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can help ...

Discover More

Restoring Send To Desktop (Create Shortcut)

Sometimes the "Send to | Desktop (create shortcut)" option disappears, or perhaps it was never there in the first place. ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine minus 1?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips