Windows Update Shortcut - Create in Windows 7

How to Create a "Windows Update" Shortcut in Windows 7​

   Information

This will show you how to create or download a Windows Update shortcut in Windows 7.

EXAMPLE: Windows Update

OPTION ONE

To Download a "Windows Update" Shortcut

1. Click on the Download button below to download the file below. Windows_Update.zip


Download


2. Click on Save, and save the .zip file to the desktop.

3. Open the .zip file and extract the Windows Update shortcut to the desktop.

4. Right click on the Windows Update shortcut, and click on Properties, General tab, and on the Unblock button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not have a Unblock button under the General tab, then the shortcut is already unblocked and you can continue on to step 5.
5. You can now Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start Menu this shortcut, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move it where you like for easy use.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .zip file on the desktop if you like, or save it to use again.

OPTION TWO

To Manually Create a "Windows Update" Shortcut

1. Right click on a empty area on the desktop, and click on New and Shortcut.

2. Copy and Paste either location below into the location area, and click on the Next button. (see screenshot below) %windir%\System32\rundll32.exe url.dll,FileProtocolHandler wuapp.exe

OR

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{36eef7db-88ad-4e81-ad49-0e313f0c35f8}

3. Type Windows Update for the name, and click on the Finish button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You can name this anything you would like though.
4. Right click on the new Windows Update shortcut on the Desktop and click on Properties.

5. Click on the Change Icon button. (see screenshot below)
6. In the line under "Look for icons in this file", type the location below and press Enter. (see screenshot below) %windir%\system32\wucltux.dll


7. Select the icon highlighted in blue above and click on OK. (see screenshot above)
NOTE: You can use any icon that you would like instead though.

8. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
9. You can now Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start Menu this shortcut, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move it where you like for easy use.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Change the Windows Update Settings in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Windows Updates from Automatically Restarting the Computer
• How to View Windows Update History Details in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Uninstall a Windows Update in Windows 7
• How to Hide or Restore Hidden Windows Updates in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Create a Installed Windows Updates Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows Update Troubleshoot Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Enable or Disable Access to Windows Updates in Windows 7
• How to Reset Windows Update in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Enable or Disable the Windows Update "Who can install updates" Setting
• How to Download the Standalone MSU Installer File of a Windows Update

 

[Brink]

Hello Silkfire, and welcome to Seven Forums.

When I use the Check for updates shortcut in the Control Panel All Tasks list, it only opens to the same location as in this Windows Update shortcut here. It doesn't automatically check for updates upon opening Windows Update either. Does it for you?

 

[rondoyle]

I found an easier way a couple of weeks ago. Try holding down a SHIFT key then right click on the Windows Update icon wherever you find it. Then the Pin option will magically appear.

This works for many of the "unpinable" items in W7.

I believe that it worked the same way in Vista, but not positive about that.

Ron

 

[Brink]

Hello Ron, and thank you for sharing.

True, that would give you the "Pin to Start Menu" option, but unfortunately it will still not give you the "Pin to taskbar" option.

 

[karlsnooks]

Shawn,
Thanks for the tutorial as in one of my cleanings I'd removed many shortcuts, but this one I use and my solutions were non-ideal.

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Karl.

 

[harvey263]

Another way is to use target "C:\Windows\System32\wuauclt.exe /ShowWU". This shortcut has the Windows Update icon inherently, and it can be pinned to the taskbar. If you want to immediately check for updates like silkfire, you can add AutoScan to the switch:
"C:\Windows\System32\wuauclt.exe /ShowWUAutoScan"

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc720477(v=ws.10).aspx

 

[tlc46]

How 'bout in the All Programs list?

I tell you, I learned so much from reading all your posts on the Windows Update to Start Menu and/or Taskbar.
My problem is restoring the Windows Update shortcut to the All Programs list (Start, All Programs).
I "cleverly" deleted it to keep our users from seeing it and I'd like to restore it.
Thanks to all of you, I do have it on the Start Menu now.
Any ideas on this variation?
Many, many thanks in advance!
(Windows 7,32-bit, Professional)

 

[Brink]

Hello tlc, and welcome to Seven Forums.

The tutorial below can help show you how to restore any missing default shortcuts in your Start menu All Programs area.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...rams-windows-7-restore-default-shortcuts.html