You may have a shortcut to Windows Update in your Start
Menu. If so, select it, and an Internet Explorer window will open
automatically, connecting you to the Windows Update interface. Or, you can
start Internet Explorer and type in:
windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
(Windows Update can only be run in Internet Explorer.) During this and the
next step, you may receive one or more security warnings. Ensure this content
is signed by Microsoft, then click Yes.
Click Scan for Updates. The Windows Update software will
compare your operating system to the updates that have been released and
present you with a list of available updates.
Pick updates to install. You always want to
immediately install any Critical Updates or Service Packs. (These will
automatically be selected to install.) These are usually security fixes or are
intended to improve the performance of your computer. These updates may have
to be installed separately from other updates, and may require you to restart
your computer once the update is complete.
Other updates are optional. These include Recommended
Downloads, Windows Tools, and Internet and Multimedia Updates. You should
follow the Read More link to determine whether you need to install the update.
Select Review and install updates. You will be shown a list of all the
selected updates. Click the Install Now button.
A dialog box will appear showing the progress of your installation. You
can continue working on your computer while the updates install, but do not
browse away from Windows Update in the open browser window. Try to avoid
interrupting the update; even if it takes a long time, you should let the
download and installation complete in one sitting. Otherwise, you may run into
problems.
After the installation is complete, you may need to restart your
computer. If so, a box will appear telling you to do so. You should finish
other work as quickly as possible and restart.
