Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Automatic Updates for IT Professionals
The information on this page is intended primarily for IT professionals who may be using Windows Update or Microsoft Update and the Automatic Updates feature in their organizations. It provides an overview of these services and announcements of developments that may affect IT professionals. Consumers can find more information on updating services here.
Announcements
Internet Explorer 7 is being delivered via Automatic Updates
Internet Explorer 7 is now being delivered as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates and the Windows Update/Microsoft Update sites. The default automated delivery process includes explicit user notification and consent steps before IE7 installs. Organizations can download a non-expiring Blocker Toolkit to block delivery of IE7 if they wish to develop their own managed deployment plan for IE7. An IE7 Blocker Toolkit FAQ is available as well. Internet Explorer 7 runs on Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, and Windows Server 2003.
System Center Essentials 2007 launches
Essentials 2007 is a new management solution in the System Center family of IT systems management products specifically designed for midsized businesses (up to 500 PCs and 30 Servers). Essentials 2007 provides a unified management solution that enables IT professionals in midsize organizations to proactively manage their IT environment with increased efficiency.
Windows Update and Microsoft Update: General Information
Microsoft periodically releases software updates to the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products. These updates can enhance reliability, improve performance, and provide new security protections against malware and other potentially unwanted software. Additionally, Microsoft may also provide software updates from third parties that improve performance, reliability or security for some non-Microsoft software and hardware components.
Windows Update and Microsoft Update are two updating services offered by Microsoft that deliver these updates at no charge. Both services determine which software updates are applicable to a given computer, and can download and install them automatically.
Windows Update and Microsoft Update: Features
Windows Update provides high-priority and optional updates for all supported versions of the Windows operating system. Windows Update may be accessed at http://update.microsoft.com. It can also be found via the Windows Start Menu, and is included in Windows Vista in the Control Panel.
Microsoft Update provides all the updates offered by Windows Update, plus high-priority updates for Office and other Microsoft applications. Microsoft Update requires a one-time opt-in process and may be accessed at http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate.
The Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites offer two types of scans:
- Express finds high-priority updates
- Custom finds both high-priority and optional updates
Windows Update and Microsoft Update also contain an Automatic Updating feature. With Automatic Updates, users can keep their computers up to date without having to worry about downloading and installing high-priority updates. Automatic Updates will automatically check for high-priority updates and install them for you. This option is provided during the initial set up of Windows, or can be set at any subsequent time. Note: The automatic updating feature delivers high-priority updates only. Optional updates must be accessed from the Windows Update or Microsoft Update site Custom scans.
Microsoft Update runs on Windows Vista, Windows XP (including 64-bit edition and Windows Media Center), Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 only. Computers with earlier operating systems will automatically be directed to Windows Update. An Internet connection is required. Microsoft Update requires Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater.
Microsoft Update Catalog
The Microsoft Update Catalog provides high-priority and optional updates for all supported versions of the Windows operating system plus updates for Office, other Microsoft applications and hardware drivers. These updates are provided via a searchable interface giving you the option to download one or more updates to your computer. Additionally, if you are running Windows Server Update Services 3.0 or System Center Essentials, updates and drivers can be imported directly into your console. To find out more about the importing feature, please review information about WSUS 3.0 and the Catalog Site. The Microsoft Update Catalog may be accessed at http://catalog.update.microsoft.com.
Other update management products from Microsoft
Update management is an important function of maintaining any set of computers, from a single PC to an enterprise datacenter. The ability to identify which updates exist - and selectively deploy those updates in a timely and automated manner - can help maintain security and productivity for yourself and your organization.
Windows Update and Microsoft Update are primarily intended to help small businesses and consumers keep their computers up to date. Large or midsize businesses that would like to control which updates are deployed to their desktops should consider the update management products Microsoft offers that are designed to fit the needs of midsize and large organizations. These include Windows Server Update Services (available at no charge to licensed users of Windows Server), System Center Essentials 2007 (for midsize businesses) and the more advanced Systems Management Server 2003 products.
Related update management and security resources
For more information about Windows Update and Automatic Updates, see the following:
- For overall guidance on enterprise patch management solutions, see the "Patch Management" topic on the Microsoft TechNet Security site.
- For a comparison of Microsoft update management solutions for enterprises and midsize businesses, see see "Comparing MBSA, MU, WSUS, Essentials 2007, and SMS 2003" on the Microsoft Web site.
- For detailed information on how to utilize Windows Update and Automatic Updates to protect your PCs, see "Deploying Updates with Windows Update and Automatic Updates" on the Microsoft TechNet Security site.
- For information on utilizing Automatic Updates to protect Virtual PCs, see "Keep Unmanaged Systems, including Virtual PCs, Up to Date" on the Microsoft TechNet Security site.
- For more information about protecting your computer, see "Protect Your PC" on the Microsoft Web site.