Windows 10 Optional Updates Not Showing: Finding Drivers and Extras Windows Has Not Offered
Guides often say to check “View optional updates” for a driver or feature fix. You open Windows Update and the link is missing, or the page is empty. When Windows 10 optional updates not showing, it can YYPAUS seem as though something is broken.
The link appears only when optional updates are available for your PC. If there are none at that moment, Windows simply does not display it.
Sometimes, though, settings or management policies hide optional updates even when they exist.
Optional updates usually include driver updates for specific hardware and occasional non-security fixes. They are not installed automatically, which is why the separate link exists.
Likely Reasons Behind the Problem
Optional updates may not appear for these reasons:
- No optional updates are currently available for your hardware and version.
- Windows has not finished checking for updates.
- The PC is managed by an organisation or update policy.
- Device installation settings block driver downloads.
After Windows 10’s end of support, fewer optional updates are released, which also makes the link appear less often.
Simple Troubleshooting to Begin With
Run a fresh check.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and wait for it to finish.
- Look below the update status for “View optional updates.”
- If it appears, expand Driver updates or Other updates and tick what you need.
- Restart after installing.
The link can appear and disappear as Microsoft publishes and withdraws updates.
Next-Level Steps
Check settings that hide updates.
- Type “Change device installation settings” in the search box. If it is set to No, Windows will not offer drivers automatically. Set it to Yes if you want them.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school and check for management.
- On Pro edition, check gpedit.msc under Windows Components > Windows Update for policies that exclude drivers.
- Visit your PC manufacturer’s support page for drivers directly, since they often publish newer versions than Windows Update.
- Use the Microsoft Update Catalog to search for a specific update if you know its KB number.
If the PC is managed by work or school, optional updates may be deliberately controlled by IT.
A Word of Caution
Optional updates are optional for a reason. Install a driver only if you have a problem it is meant to fix, as new drivers can occasionally cause issues. Create a restore point before installing them.
Final Thoughts
A missing optional updates link usually just means nothing extra is available. Run a fresh check, review device installation settings, and use the manufacturer’s website for drivers.
If a support agent or guide has told you to install a specific optional update, ask for its KB number, since searching the Microsoft Update Catalog is more reliable than waiting for the link to appear.