Windows 11 · Windows
Fix 'Important Security and Quality Fixes Are Missing' in Windows Update
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Restart Windows, run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter, repair system files, reset update components, and install the current supported release.
Prepare the task and protect the current state
Save open work, record the current software and Windows versions, hardware, exact error, and settings changed immediately before the problem. Preserve game data and account access before repair or reinstallation. Begin by confirming this task-specific prerequisite: Connect power, verify internet and free storage, restart, then check Settings > Windows Update again.
Restart and retry
Connect power, verify internet and free storage, restart, then check Settings > Windows Update again.
Run the troubleshooter
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Windows Update.
Repair system files
Run DISM RestoreHealth and then SFC from an elevated terminal, restart, and retry.
Escalate safely
Use Microsoft's update component reset or in-place repair guidance; back up before a feature update or reinstall.
Verify the complete result
Repeat the intended action with a harmless test and confirm this final condition: Use Microsoft's update component reset or in-place repair guidance; back up before a feature update or reinstall. Reopen the relevant settings, destination, account, project, or output and compare it with the recorded starting state before deleting an original or relying on the change.
Use a reversible recovery path
If the result differs, undo only the latest change when possible, keep the original data, file, account, device configuration, or installer intact, and compare the exact symptom with the linked Microsoft Support guidance. Record the version, time, error, and completed checks before contacting official support.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If “Fix 'Important Security and Quality Fixes Are Missing' in Windows Update” remains unresolved, identify the first numbered step that produces a different result and preserve that screen, file, or message. Recheck the specific account, permission, storage, connection, source-media, or device prerequisite above, then follow only the matching Microsoft Support recovery path; do not combine unrelated resets, bypasses, unofficial installers, or third-party repair tools.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.