Even though both Windows 11 and Windows 10 automatically download and install the updates, you may want to manage them and their relevant settings, like block updates, view update history, etc. For that, you can now add a shortcut to these settings directly in your desktop’s context menu instead of navigating around the Settings app. In this post, we are going to show you how to add a “Windows Update” shortcut directly into your context menu so you can quickly access the respective Settings page. Note that this method only adds these shortcuts to the desktop’s context menu and no other. This means that you will only see these options when you right-click on a space on the desktop.
Add Windows Update Shortcut to Context Menu Add Single Windows Update Shortcut Add Multiple Windows Update Shortcuts Remove Windows Update Shortcuts from Context Menu Final Thoughts
Add Windows Update Shortcut to Context Menu
You can add shortcuts to Windows Update by making changes to the Windows Registry. This can be done both manually and by using a .REG file that will make the necessary changes to the Registry. The manual method given below only adds one shortcut to the Windows Update Settings page to the context menu, whereas using the .REG file will add multiple shortcuts to different sub-pages of Windows Update.
Add Single Windows Update Shortcut
If you only want to add one shortcut to the Windows Update page, you can use the guide given in these steps: Note: Misconfiguration of critical values in the system’s registry could be fatal for your operating system. Therefore, we insist that you create a system restore point before proceeding forward with the process. Once done, you can close the Registry editor and proceed to check the “Check for updates” in the desktop’s context menu. Name this key “Check for updates.” Name this key “command.” Name this String Value “SettingsURI.” Name this String Value “DelegateExecute.” Clicking this option will open the Windows Update Settings page. If you want to remove this shortcut in the future, simply delete the “Check for updates” key from the Registry editor. If you wish to add more Windows Update shortcuts to the desktop’s context menu, continue to the next section.
Add Multiple Windows Update Shortcuts
If you wish to get quick access to the Windows Update Settings page as well as other relevant pages, you can use the .REG files given below to add their shortcuts to the context menu. All you need to do is download and extract these files and execute the .REG file within. When prompted for a UAC and confirmation, click Yes. For Windows 10: Add Windows Update To Context Menu Windows 10 (646 bytes, 135 hits) This .REG file will add the following options to the context menu. The page’s complete path is also mentioned:
Windows Update Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update Schedule the restart Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Schedule the restart (When an update is available) Update History Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » View update history Advanced options Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Advanced options Optional updates Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » View optional updates (when available) Delivery optimization Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Delivery optimization
For Windows 11: Path: Path: Path: Path: Path: Path: Note: In Windows 11, you will need to click “Show more options” before you are able to see the Windows Update shortcuts in the context menu. Alternatively, you can disable the “Show more options” entirely, enabling direct access to these shortcuts. Add Windows Update To Context Menu Windows 11 (710 bytes, 141 hits) This .REG file will add the following options to the context menu. The page’s complete path is also mentioned:
Windows Update Path: Settings app » Windows update Schedule the restart Path: Settings app » Windows update » Schedule the restart (when an update is available) Update History Path: Settings app » Windows update » Update history Advanced options Path: Settings app » Windows update » Advanced options Optional updates Path: Settings app » Windows update » View optional updates (when available) Delivery optimization Delivery Optimization Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization Advanced options Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization » Advanced options Activity Monitor Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization » Activity monitor
As you can see from the lengthy paths above, it can take a while to navigate and find all the important Windows Update and relevant pages through the Settings app. You can save time by adding the shortcuts directly to the context menu. Path: Path: Path: Path: Path:
Delivery Optimization Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization Advanced options Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization » Advanced options Activity Monitor Path: Settings app » Update & Security » Windows update » Delivery Optimization » Activity monitor
Path: Path: Path:
Remove Windows Update Shortcuts from Context Menu
In the future, if you wish to remove these shortcuts from the context menu you can download and execute the .REG file given below to remove them. This works for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Remove Windows Update From Context Menu (318 bytes, 133 hits)
Final Thoughts
For those who are not too keen on updating their operating systems, this whole article may be moot. However, if you keep a close eye on which updates are available and which to install, you can use these context menu shortcuts and save time in managing these updates at the click of a few buttons.
