How to Update Windows 8 Phone Software

Microsoft periodically releases Windows Phone software updates to add new features and to maximize phone’s performance. When a software update is available for you to download, Microsoft will notify you so you can download it directly to your phone over a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.

Before you download and install an update:

Make sure your phone is well-charged, so you don’t lose power during the update.
If you’re worried about cellular data charges, use Wi-Fi and manually download the update.
Make sure you have enough storage space on your phone for the update. To check how much you have available, in the App list, go to Settings > Phone storage.

How to Download Updates Automatically

In the App list, tap Settings > Phone update.
Tap the Automatically “download updates if my data settings allow it” checkbox.

Note: Updates won’t download if data settings on your phone prevent it. For example, both Data Sense and Battery Saver can limit how your phone uses data. To learn more, see Use Data Sense to track data usage.

Related Post: How to Find a Lost Windows 8 Phone

How to Check for Updates Manually

In the App list, tap Settings > Phone update.
Tap Check for updates.
Make some room on your phone for the update. If necessary, remove a few unwanted apps or other large items.

How to Install Update on Windows Phone

If you aren’t set up to automatically download updates, tap Download when prompted after checking for updates or receiving an update notification.
Do one of the following:
- Tap Install, tap Show details, and then tap Install again. Your phone will restart and then install the update.
- Tap Postpone if you want to go back to Settings > Phone update later to install the update.
Note: It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to install an update, but it could take longer.
After your phone restarts, wait for it to migrate your settings, and then tap Done to finish the update.