Windows 10 Update APIs
This section provides comprehensive documentation for the Windows Update APIs, allowing developers to programmatically manage and interact with the Windows Update service on Windows 10 devices.
Overview
The Windows Update APIs enable scenarios such as:
- Checking for available updates.
- Downloading and installing updates.
- Managing update compliance.
- Querying update history and status.
- Configuring update policies.
Key Concepts
Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective use of the Windows Update APIs:
- Update Session: Represents a transaction or a group of related update operations.
- Update Searcher: Used to search for updates based on criteria.
- Update Collection: A collection of updates found during a search.
- Update: Represents a single update package.
- Update Installer: Used to install or uninstall updates.
API Reference Categories
Update Session Management
CreateUpdateSession
Creates a new update session object.
Signature:
HRESULT CreateUpdateSession(
[out] IUpdateSession **ppUpdateSession
);Parameters:
- ppUpdateSession
- A pointer to an
IUpdateSessioninterface pointer that receives the newly created session object.
Remarks: This is the starting point for most Windows Update operations.
UpdateSession.Query
Queries for available updates based on specified criteria.
Signature:
HRESULT Query(
[in] IInstallationCriteria *pCriteria,
[out] IUpdateCollection **ppUpdates
);Parameters:
- pCriteria
- An
IInstallationCriteriaobject that specifies the search criteria. - ppUpdates
- A pointer to an
IUpdateCollectioninterface pointer that receives a collection of found updates.
Update Installation
CreateUpdateInstaller
Creates an update installer object.
Signature:
HRESULT CreateUpdateInstaller(
[out] IUpdateInstaller **ppUpdateInstaller
);Parameters:
- ppUpdateInstaller
- A pointer to an
IUpdateInstallerinterface pointer.
UpdateInstaller.Install
Installs the specified updates.
Signature:
HRESULT Install(
[in] IUpdateCollection *pUpdatesToInstall,
[out] IOperationProgress **ppOperationProgress
);Parameters:
- pUpdatesToInstall
- An
IUpdateCollectioncontaining the updates to install. - ppOperationProgress
- A pointer to an
IOperationProgressinterface pointer to track the installation progress.
Note: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to install updates.
Update Status and History
UpdateSession.GetUpdateHistory
Retrieves the history of update operations.
Signature:
HRESULT GetUpdateHistory(
[out] IUpdateHistoryCollection **ppHistory
);Parameters:
- ppHistory
- A pointer to an
IUpdateHistoryCollectioninterface pointer.
Best Practices
- Always handle COM interface pointers correctly, including calling
Release()when done. - Provide user feedback during update operations.
- Consider the implications of installing updates on system stability and user workflow.
- Check error codes carefully to diagnose and resolve issues.
Warning: Incorrectly using the Windows Update APIs can lead to system instability or data loss. Always test your implementation thoroughly.