January 2026 Patch Tuesday: 7 Things Windows Users Should Do Before and After Updating

Patch Tuesday updates are released on the second Tuesday of a month.. These updates address issues like instability, performance issues, and vulnerabilities. Hence, there are various smart ways in which you can install these before and after, further ensuring that the process works smoothly. 

Here is a breakdown of 7 essential actions that every Microsoft Windows user must take around Patch Tuesday. 

Back Up Your Important Data 

Always back up your system and crucial files stored in it before installing the Patch Tuesday updates. 

Why It Matters

Although these updates are extensively tested, some rare problems can occur, specifically on systems with older hardware, or custom configurations. Let’s have a look at what you can back up;

• Important files, pictures, and videos
• Work-related folders
• Emails and settings 
• Passwords and bookmarked sites on browser

Backup the tools that you can use like Windows File History, sync cloud of Google Drive or One Drive, and Macrium Reflect or Windows full system image tool. 

Backing up doesn’t take long, and it’s one of the best ways to stay safe.

Create a System Restore Point 

Another layer of protection, short of a full backup, is creating a System Restore Point.

What It Does

If your system acts strangely after the update, a restore point lets you revert Windows to how it was before installing the patches. Think of it as a “checkpoint” in time that you can roll back to.

How to Create One

1. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows Start menu
   
2. Select your system drive (usually C:)
   
3. Click Create, give it a name like Pre-Patch Tuesday January 2026
   
4. Let Windows complete the process
   

This is quick and provides peace of mind, especially if you depend on your PC for work or school.

Check for Updates at the Right Time 

The updates of Patch Tuesday come at a specific time, which is U.S. Pacific Time in the morning. Though it can take several hours for you to see them.

Best Practices

• Wait until late morning or afternoon before checking manually updates may not be available top to bottom right at midnight.
  
• Avoid installing right away if you rely on your machine for critical tasks early in the day.
  
• Check manually: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
  

This reduces the chance of starting an update that might still be in early rollout stages.

Install the Update and Monitor the Process

Once updates are available, begin the installation — but don’t walk away completely.

Tips While the Update Runs

• Save all work before starting
  
• Plug in your device (for laptops) so it doesn’t run out of battery
  
• Don’t interrupt restarts — let Windows do its job
  

Windows typically shows progress indicators. If you see a message like “Getting Windows ready, Don’t turn off your computer”, that’s normal. Just let it complete.

Confirm Update Success and Review Security Changes

After installing Patch Tuesday updates:

Check Update Status

• Go to Settings → Windows Update → Update History
  
• Confirm that the January 2026 patches are listed as Successfully installed
  

Sometimes, patches include security improvements for:

• Windows kernel components
  
• Network protocols
  
• Microsoft Edge or other system libraries
  

Microsoft often publishes security bulletins explaining what each patch does. You can review Windows Update details or visit the official Microsoft Security Update Guide to see summaries of fixed vulnerabilities.

Test Key Applications and Hardware

After a major update, it’s smart to verify that your essential apps and hardware are still working as expected.

What to Test

• Office apps (Word, Excel, etc.)
  
• Browsers, especially extensions
  
• Printers and scanners
  
• Audio and video tools
  
• VPN or remote work software
  

If an app starts misbehaving, it may be due to compatibility. In most cases, developers quickly release updates following Windows patches to restore compatibility. Keep apps updated through their own update tools or through the Microsoft Store.

Adjust Settings and Security Tools

Patch Tuesday isn’t just about the Microsoft updates, it’s also a great time to review your security posture and system settings.

Recommended Reviews

• Windows Defender / antivirus statuses
  Make sure real-time protection is enabled and updated.
  
• Firewall settings
  Confirm nothing has been toggled off inadvertently.
  
• Optional updates
  Sometimes Windows lists optional driver updates or preview builds, these aren’t required but may improve performance.
  
• Power & sleep settings
  After updates, settings can double-check that sleep/hibernation still fit your usage.
  
• Notification settings
  Updates can bring new features. Review what notifications and alerts you want to receive.
  

Being mindful about these helps you lock in the benefits of the latest security patches.