Microsoft Update helps keep your computer current

Microsoft Update is a Microsoft Web site that offers the same downloads that are available from Windows Update—plus the latest updates for Microsoft Office and other Microsoft programs.

When you visit Microsoft Update, the site scans your computer and gives you a list of updates relevant to your computer and its configuration. You then decide which updates you want to download and install.

Update your computer running Windows Vista

If your computer is running Windows Vista, you can manage your updates through the control panel.

To switch from Windows Update to Microsoft Update, in Windows Vista:

For more information, see Windows Vista: How to update your operating system.

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Update your computer running Windows XP or Windows 2000

The most reliable way to get updates for your computer is to have them delivered automatically to your computer. In Windows XP and Windows 2000 this service is called Automatic Updates.

If you don't have Automatic Updates turned on, you can turn it on when you visit Microsoft Update.

Note: If you already use Automatic Updates, when you sign up for Microsoft Update, Automatic Updates continues to operate it as you've set it up.

Use Microsoft Update

Microsoft Update is a Web site that helps you update Microsoft Windows and many other Microsoft programs that you've installed, such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SQL Server, all in one place.

The first time you visit Microsoft Update you will install the software on your computer. Depending on your system, this might include installing two ActiveX controls, which are small pieces of software that help Microsoft Update talk to your computer.

Activate Microsoft Update:

1.	Connect to the Internet and go to http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate or click Microsoft Update on any Microsoft.com site. (If you've already signed up, you'll skip straight to Step 7.)
2.	Click Start Now, and then click Continue.
3.	Follow the directions on the screen to install this ActiveX control.
4.	Click Install. Depending on how your computer is set up, you might need to repeat steps 3 and 4 once more to install a second ActiveX control. This is part of setting up the Microsoft Update program to work with your computer.
5.	If you've already been using Automatic Updates before signing up for Microsoft Update, go to Step 6. If you have not been using Automatic Updates, click: • Turn it on now to sign up, and then follow the directions on the screen. • Change setting to turn on Automatic Updates. Follow the directions on the screen.
6.	Now that you have set up the Microsoft Update program and turned on Automatic Updates, click Check for Updates.
7.	Click to choose either Express or Custom installation. • Express finds high-priority or important updates for your computer which you install with one click. • Custom finds both high-priority and optional or recommended updates (listed at the left of the screen). You individually review and select the updates you want to install. A Get answers to questions you have about Microsoft Update. B Another opportunity to sign up for Automatic Updates.
8.	Microsoft Update scans your computer for the updates your computer needs. Follow the directions on the screen to download and install them.

Tip: Find out how to keep earlier versions of Windows (Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT) and Office versions up to date.

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What else you can do to protect your computer

Using Microsoft Update with automatic updating is a strong first line of defense against security threats.

You can also improve your computer's security by using a firewall and maintaining a current antivirus and antispyware software subscription. Find out how to take these steps and address other security essentials of protecting your computer.

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