- Where's the App list?
- Which version of Windows Phone do I have?
- Lock screen
- Set alarms on my phone
- Copy and paste
- Find a lost phone
- Set up Kid's Corner
- Keyboard
- Backup and storage
- Share things on my phone
- How do I update my phone software?
- Windows Phone 8 update history
- Use Speech on my phone
- Wallet
- Use my phone for work
- Tips to help keep my Windows Phone secure
- Switch between apps
- Accessibility on my phone
- Reset my phone
- Make the most of my battery and data usage
- What do the icons on my phone mean?
- Privacy resources
- Feature and service availability
How do I update my phone software?
We periodically release Windows Phone software updates to add new features you've asked for and to maximize your phone's performance. When a software update is available for you to download, we'll notify you so you can download it directly to your phone over a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. To see what features or improvements have been added in the latest update, see Windows Phone 8 update history.
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. See How can I minimize my data usage? to learn more.
-
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. For more info
about how to move things off your phone to make more room, see
Make room
on my phone to update it.
How to download updates automatically
-
In the App list, tap Settings
> Phone update. -
Tap the Automatically download updates if my data settings allow it
check box.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.
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.
Note
Windows Phone will let you know when new updates are available. If you check manually for an expected update and your phone appears to be up to date, it may be that it isn't available yet for your specific phone, mobile operator, or market.
How to install an update
-
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.
