To keep your PC up to date with the latest drivers and other system updates, you once had to go online and look for the updates appropriate for your PC. No more. Windows includes a free, built-in service called Windows Update. This service helps you keep your PC more secure and reliable as well as compatible with devices. And Windows Update provides new features that may enhance your Windows experience. You can set Windows Update to automatically download and install essential updates or you can review the updates before they're installed. The service is as automatic as you'd like it to be.
Windows Update explained
Learn how the Windows Update service works to help you keep your PC more secure, reliable, and up to date.
Update your PC automatically
Find out how to turn on automatic updating and set the time of day the updates will happen.
Understanding update levels
The Windows Update service provides three levels of updates—Important, Recommended, and Optional. Learn what these levels mean to you.
How is Windows Update different than Microsoft Update?
Simply put: If you're only running Windows, use Windows Update. If your PC also has other Microsoft software installed, use Microsoft Update.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Windows Update.
As an IT professional, you may have some PCs in your organization that are already set up to use Windows Update directly. You may be able to have more control over how PCs are updated in your organization. Understanding how Windows Update works, along with other Microsoft management tools that give you more control over the update management process, will help you manage your organization's unique environment and help make sure your PCs are up to date, safer, and reliable.
Check out the TechNet Update Management Center
Get help managing updates through Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and other management tools.
Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Automatic Updates for IT professionals
Learn how these update services work within business environments.
Windows Update strategies for IT professionals
Manage updates on your Windows Vista-based PCs with Microsoft Update and Windows Server Update Services.
