Updating your Microsoft software
Learn how Windows Update can help you
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Windows Update is an online service that you can use to download free updates to Microsoft software. Read on to learn how you can download free updates from Windows Update. We'll also tell you about Windows Automatic Updates, which automatically downloads updates for you. (Not available for all versions of Windows.)
On This Page
 | What does Windows Update do? |
| How to activate Windows Automatic Updates |
| Protect Your PC: What else you can do |
What does Windows Update do?
Windows Update is an online section of the Microsoft Web site that offers the latest updates for Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and other Microsoft software programs. Check out Windows Update periodically and follow these steps to help keep your computer current—and safe.
1. | When you are connected to the Internet, click Start. Point to All Programs, and then click Windows Update. (If you are using an older version of Windows, these directions might be slightly different, or the Windows Update service might not be available.) |
2. | You can use Windows Update to download both critical security updates and optional updates that aren't as critical. If you're in a hurry, click Express Install (Recommended). If you're interested in browsing all of the updates available (including critical and security updates), click Custom Install. Note: If you haven't been to Windows Update in a while, you might be asked to download the newest version. |
3. | Windows Update scans your computer and gives you a list of recommended updates. Remember, this is for certain Microsoft products only. (Microsoft does not collect any information that could be used to identify you during this process.)  Tip: To get updates for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office programs, be sure to use Office Update. |
4. | Browse through the list of updates and click the box next to the ones you want to install. If you've chosen Custom Install, you should always include all critical updates. For a full description of any item, click Read more. |
5. | When you've chosen all the updates you want, click Go to install updates, and then click Install. |
How to activate Windows Automatic Updates
If you don’t visit Windows Update regularly, you can get automatic updates from Microsoft so you don't have to remember to check for critical updates that help to keep your computer secure. If you run Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the Automatic Updates feature is probably already turned on. You can check at the Windows Update Web site.
Note: Microsoft does not offer the Automatic Updates service for Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT.
1. | Click your version of Windows below and follow the instructions for how to turn on Automatic Updates:
Tip: If you don't know what version of Windows you use, follow our directions to check your computer. | ||||||
2. | Each time there's a new update, a balloon appears in the lower right corner of your screen to alert you. Click the balloon to start the installation process for the latest critical updates for your computer to help protect it from viruses.
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Protect Your PC: What else you can do
Windows Update or Windows Automatic Updates are the first lines of defense against security issues. You can continue to improve your computer's security if you use a firewall and maintain a current antivirus software subscription. To learn more, visit the Protect Your PC section of this site.