4 Best Ways To View Windows Update History In Windows 11

Windows updates are critical for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. But sometimes, you want to see what’s actually been installed—or figure out what broke after an update. Fortunately, Windows 11 gives you several ways to view your update history.

Here are the 4 best methods to check Windows Update history in Windows 11:

1. Settings App (The Easiest Way)

This is the most user-friendly option and doesn’t require any technical skill.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update in the sidebar.
3. Click on Update history.

You’ll see a categorized list of:

• Quality Updates
• Driver Updates
• Definition Updates
• Optional Updates
• Other Updates

This is great for a quick overview.

2. Using Command Prompt

If you prefer the command line or need more control, try this:

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: wmic qfe list brief /format:table
3. Hit Enter.

This lists installed updates with their HotFixID, description, and install date. Useful if you want to quickly find specific updates or export the list.

3. PowerShell (More Detail, More Power)

Power users and IT admins often prefer PowerShell because of its flexibility.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run: Get-HotFix

This shows a similar list to Command Prompt but can be combined with other commands for scripting, filtering, or exporting data.

Want even more detail? You can run:

Get-WindowsUpdateLog

Note: This will generate a detailed log from ETL files to a readable format—mostly useful for troubleshooting.

4. Event Viewer (For Deep Troubleshooting)

Event Viewer logs everything happening behind the scenes, including update issues.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S, search for Event Viewer, and open it.
2. Go to:
   Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → WindowsUpdateClient → Operational.

You’ll see events related to update installations, failures, and rollbacks. It’s not pretty, but it’s the most granular view you can get.

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, there’s a way to track update history in Windows 11 that fits your style. Here’s a quick recap:

Next time something changes after an update—or goes wrong—you’ll know exactly where to look.

Want more Windows 11 tips? Bookmark this blog and check back often for practical how-tos and fixes.