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Windows - Using Windows Update

This document explains how to use Windows Update to install critical updates.

Select your Operating System:

1. Windows 7
2. Windows Vista
3. Windows XP

Windows Vista/7

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Click on All Programs.

   

3. Click on Windows Update.

   

4. When the window comes up, click Check for updates in the top left corner of the window.

   

5. Once it finishes checking for updates, click Install updates to install any new updates.

   

   Note: If Install Updates does not appear, it means that there are no new updates available for your computer

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Click on All Programs.

   

3. Click on Windows Update.

   

4. You will be presented with two updating options:

   • Express: This is the recommended option to find all needed high-priority updates.
   • Custom: This option will scan for high-priority updates and optional updates, such as drivers or software updates.

   Unless you have a specific reason for selecting Custom, it's recommended to click on Express.

   

5. You will then be presented with a list of updates.

   • If you chose Express, click Install Updates.

     

   • If you chose Custom, you will be presented with a list of high-priority update options. Check the updates that you would like to install. On the left-hand side, you will have an option to review software and hardware updates. Select any desired updates from these categories. Once you have selected all desired updates, click Review and Install Updates. You will now be presented with a list of your chosen updates, verify it is correct and choose Install Updates.

6. A dialog box will open to display the download and installation progress. If you are prompted for any license agreements, you will need to accept them.

   

7. Wait for the updates to download and install. When they are done you will be prompted to restart your computer.

8. It is a good idea to repeat the process until you are sure there aren't any more critical updates. Often, installing a major update like a Service Pack makes a whole new set of important updates available.

9. It is important you also visit Office Update. This is important even if you don don't have MS-Office installed, as you might have other MS product, such as: MS-project, visual studio .net, or other similar applications.

10. After completing the entire update procedure it's important to stay current. Windows has a built in feature that allows users to set their machines to auto update. For instructions on how to do this please see one of the following:
    • Windows 2000 - Configuring for Automatic Updates
    • Windows XP - Configuring for Automatic Updates