Windows update catalog

Question

I found the file that I need and hit the download button. Where did it go? I don't even see a space to enter the alphanumeric code that I copied.

Answer 1

If you're also looking at importing the update into WSUS, use Import-WsusUpdate for an easy way to import anything on the catalog into the WSUS Database.

https://www.ajtek.ca/free-tools/import-wsusupdate/

But yes, if you're not getting the extra window giving you the direct download link, it's likely a popup blocker or ad-blocker.

Answer 2

Hello mark carey,

Just to add on top of the existing answer — the bit that usually catches people out here isn't the Catalog itself, it's the browser silently swallowing the download window.

When you click Download in the Microsoft Update Catalog, it's supposed to open a small pop-up window containing the actual .msu / .cab link. You click that link in the pop-up to start the file download. There's no "code" to enter anywhere — the alphanumeric you have (the KB number) only goes in the search box at the top of the Catalog page, not on the download page.

If you click Download and nothing appears to happen, it's almost always because your browser's pop-up blocker (or tracking protection / a security extension) is blocking that window without telling you. The Catalog actually warns about this at the bottom of its own download page.

A couple of things to try:

• In Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects > Allow, add https://catalog.update.microsoft.com to the allow list. Same idea in Chrome / Firefox if you're using those.
• Or open the Catalog in an InPrivate / Incognito window, which usually disables extensions that interfere.
• Worth trying a different browser as a quick sanity check.

Once the pop-up actually opens, click the .msu (or .cab for driver packages) link inside it and the file will save to your usual Downloads folder.

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Answer 3

In the Microsoft Update Catalog, clicking Download does not immediately save the file; it first opens a small pop‑up window with one or more direct links to the update files.

To get the file:

1. After clicking Download next to the update, look for a new small window or pop‑up titled Download.
2. In that window, click the link for the update file (for example, a .msu, .cab, or .exe).
3. When the browser’s Save dialog appears, choose Save and note the folder (often Downloads by default). There is no alphanumeric code field to paste into; the copied code is not needed for the download.
4. After it finishes, open File Explorer and check the Downloads folder (or the folder chosen in step 3) to find the file.

If a driver .cab file was downloaded and needs to be extracted, open a Command Prompt and run:

expand <CAB FILE NAME> -F:* <DESTINATION>

Then install or stage the driver from the extracted files.

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References:

• How to download updates that include drivers and hotfixes from the Windows Update Catalog
• WSUS and the Microsoft Update Catalog