How to Use Microsoft Update Catalog (Manual Windows Updates)

The Microsoft Update Catalog is the official repository for manually downloading Windows updates, drivers, and hotfixes. While the interface looks dated, it remains essential for IT administrators and power users who need to update offline machines or troubleshoot Windows Update failures.

When to Use Microsoft Update Catalog

• Windows Update is broken: Automatic updates are stuck or throwing errors
• Offline machines: Air-gapped PCs without internet access
• Driver rollbacks: Need a specific driver version Windows Update overwrote
• Legacy support: Patching older systems manually

Step 1: Find the Update You Need

1. Go to the catalog:

2. catalog.update.microsoft.com

3. Search by KB number for best results:

4. Find KB numbers at Windows Release Health

5. Example: KB5034441

6. Filter results:

7. Product: Match your Windows version (e.g., "Windows 11, version 23H2")

8. Architecture:

9. x64 - Standard Intel/AMD processors (most common)

10. ARM64 - Surface Pro X, Snapdragon laptops

11. x86 - 32-bit systems (rare in 2025)

Searching for Drivers

Driver names vary, so use Hardware IDs for accuracy:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click the device > Properties > Details tab
3. Select Hardware Ids from the dropdown
4. Copy the shortest string (e.g., PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1502)
5. Paste into the Catalog search

Step 2: Download the Update

1. Click the Download button next to your selected update
2. A popup window appears (allow popups if blocked)
3. Click the link in the popup to start the download

Note: Catalog servers can be slow. If a download stalls, cancel and retry.

Step 3: Install the Update

Installing MSU Files (Cumulative Updates)

MSU files are the easiest to install:

1. Double-click the downloaded .msu file
2. Click Yes on User Account Control
3. Wait for Windows Update Standalone Installer to complete
4. Restart when prompted

Installing CAB Files (Updates)

CAB files require command-line installation:

1. Move the .cab file to a simple path (e.g., C:\Updates\patch.cab)
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
3. Run:

dism /online /add-package /packagepath:"C:\Updates\patch.cab"

4. Press Y to restart when prompted

Installing CAB Driver Files

1. Extract the CAB using Windows Explorer or 7-Zip
2. Option A: Right-click the .inf file and select Install
3. Option B: Use PnPUtil in Admin Command Prompt:

pnputil /add-driver "C:\ExtractedFolder\*.inf" /install

File Types Explained

Troubleshooting

"The update is not applicable to your computer"

• Downloaded wrong architecture (x64 vs ARM64)
• Missing prerequisite Servicing Stack Update (SSU)
• Wrong Windows version

Popup window not appearing

• Check browser popup blocker settings
• Allow popups from catalog.update.microsoft.com

Search returns no results

• Remove keywords and try simpler searches
• Search by KB number instead of description

Quick Reference

1. Check your OS version: Press Win + R, type winver
2. Find KB number: Check Windows Release Health page
3. Download: Select x64 for most modern PCs
4. Install: Double-click .msu; use DISM for .cab

Related Articles

• How to Set Up Microsoft Autopilot
• How to Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry