Complete guide to installing Windows updates without an Internet connection

Updating your operating system is one of the most important tasks to keep your computer secure, stable, and performing at its best. However, what happens when you don't have an internet connection? Is it possible to install Windows updates offline? The answer is yes, and in this article, we explain in detail how to do it using several alternatives.

Whether for security reasons, connection limitations, or because you manage multiple computers without network access, updating Windows offline is completely feasible. If you have the right tools and the necessary knowledge. And the best part: you don't need to be an expert to achieve it.

What types of updates can be installed offline?

When we talk about keeping Windows up to date, we mean a combination of cumulative patches, security updates, drivers and components like .NET or Microsoft Office. Many of these elements can be downloaded in advance and installed on computers that do not have a direct Internet connection.

It is best to opt for cumulative updates. that already include previous fixes. So, with a single download, you can update your system without having to install dozens of separate patches. For more information about updates, visit This article about Windows Update.

How to know what patches your computer needs

Before you start downloading any files, it's essential to know what updates your computer already has installed. You can easily check it from the history of Windows Update located in Settings > Update & security > View update history.

Identifies the last installed update code (KBXXXXXXX format) And be sure to download a later version. Installing an older patch will cause errors or be rejected by the system.

Once you know what you need, you can proceed to download the update on another computer that has a connection. If you're experiencing connection issues, you may need to fix previous errors.

Download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog

The Microsoft Update Catalog is the official place to locate and manually download any available security patches or updates. You will find it at the following address: catalog.update.microsoft.com.

To check for updates, it's recommended to enter the KB code directly (for example, KB5012599). This will show you the exact files without having to browse through hundreds of results.

When you click on an update, you'll see the technical details, supported versions, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Once identified, click “Download” and save the .msu file to your computer.

These updates can be run manually by double-clicking the file from any memory USB. Windows will apply them if they're compatible with your version and architecture. It's recommended to take your system specifications into account to avoid conflicts.

Tips for storing patches on external devices

When you need to apply these patches to more than one computer, it is best to save them to external media. Whether it's a USB flash drive or a portable hard drive, be sure to format it beforehand and leave enough space.

When connecting that drive to another computerSimply run the updated file from File Explorer. Windows will detect if necessary and apply the changes after restarting.

A great advantage of this method is that You don't need to install additional tools or access Microsoft servers, which is ideal for closed corporate environments or situations where there's no connection. Also, if you need more information on using the tools, check out this article.

Update using the Media Creation Tool

Microsoft offers an official way to update Windows 10 or 11 even if Windows Update doesn't work for you: the Media Creation Tool.

This tool allows you to create an installation ISO that you can burn to a USB flash drive or DVD. The interesting thing is that it also allows you to reinstall Windows over your version while keeping files and programs., something very useful when automatic updates fail.

To do this, you must go to the Windows 10 download website and click on “Download the tool now”. Once downloaded, run it as administrator and select “Update this team now".

WSUS Offline Update: Automates downloads and updates

WSUS Offline Update is a free utility that is very useful for those who need to update multiple offline computers. Its main function is to automate the download of all available patches for the versions of Windows and Office that we select.

Once you've downloaded WSUS Offline from its official website, run the UpdateGenerator file. From this interface, you can select the Windows version (for example, Windows 10 64-bit), Office version, and the desired language.

In addition, we can mark additional options such as:

• Include .NET Frameworks and VC++ Redistributables.
• Add Service Packs if available.
• Download definitions for Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials.

Once configured, press “Start” and the program will begin downloading everything necessary.

Upon completion, inside the tool folder we will find an executable called UpdateInstaller. This program allows you to apply patches to your computer offline from a USB memory stick., even fully automated across multiple devices. If you ever need to automate processes, check out This guide on optimization.

Using the wsusscn2.cab file and the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API

For more technical environments, Microsoft provides the wsusscn2.cab file, which contains up-to-date information on available security patches and can be used to perform an offline scan using WUA (Windows Update Agent).

This method does not install patches directly, but it does allow you to pinpoint which updates are missing from your system. It can be combined with automation scripts to keep updates under control on closed systems..

Precautions before applying manual updates

Installing patches offline also has its risks if not done properly. Here are some key measures:

• Check the system architecture (32 or 64-bit). You can check this by going to “This PC” > Properties.
• Check the version and build of WindowsSome updates are specific to a specific build.
• Do not install updates intended for others OS or editions.
• Make a backup before applying any changesAlthough everything usually goes well, one error could render the system unusable.

How to uninstall patches if they cause problems

Occasionally, an update can cause conflicts or errors. Fortunately, Windows allows you to remove any installed patch, even when offline..

To manually uninstall an update, go to Settings > Apps > Programs & Features > View installed updates. Find the patch by its KB code and tap "Uninstall."

After completing the process, restart your computer. The update will be rolled back and your system should be working properly again. For more information on specific errors, see This guide on Windows errors.

How to delay updates if you're offline

If you know in advance that your computer will be offline for several days, you can pause updates. to avoid errors related to downloads incomplete.

In Settings > Windows Update, you can use the “Pause updates for 7 days” option. And in “Advanced options,” you can set a specific date to resume updates, up to a maximum of 35 days.

This gives you some leeway to organize the process or recover from a network outage., especially in business or connection-limited environments.

Having an updated system is essential, and although it may seem complicated, There are multiple methods to keep Windows up to date without an Internet connection.Whether you download patches manually from the Microsoft Catalog, use WSUS Offline Update, or use official tools like the Media Creation Tool, the important thing is to follow a controlled process and always verify compatibility. This way, you can keep all your devices protected without having to rely on an active connection every time you install from scratch or repeat installations on multiple devices.