How to force check for Windows updates

To start Windows Update application from command line:

C:\Windows\system32\wuapp.exe

If you need to restart the update service on the client from command line:

net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv

There is a command that can be run from a command prompt to initiate detection of new Windows Updates right away on client computer on WSUS server:

wuauclt.exe /detectnow

If you are experiencing difficulty with contacting the WSUS server with the wuauclt utility, try to reset the Automatic Update client:

wuauclt.exe /resetauthorization /detectnow