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| | Get Computer UpdatesCopy write Microsoft Corp. If you are using Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) or later, you can take advantage of Automatic Updates, which can automatically download the latest Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet. If you are not sure if you have the latest service pack installed, you can find out by following the instructions for checking your operating system version. To use Automatic Updates to download and install any future critical security updates from Microsoft: - Click Start, and then point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
- Double click the Automatic Updates icon to open the Automatic Updates dialog box. You'll see a screen like the one below.
- On the Automatic Updates tab, check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
- Choose a setting. We strongly recommend choosing Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
- If you choose the option to automatically download and install updates, select a day and time when your computer will be turned on, so the installation process can be finished.
Note: We recommend a daily update.
Choose Automatically download the updates and install them on a schedule that I specify
If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if your machine was off at the scheduled installation time, you will see a notification balloon like the one below. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates. 
Click the balloon to install new updates
You will now download all future updates automatically.
Using Windows Update Here's how you can bring your computer up to date now. You can also use these instructions to keep up with the latest non-critical updates: - Go to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
- On the Windows Update site, click Scan for Updates. Windows Update will scan your computer and give you a pre-selected list of critical updates.
Click Scan for updates
Note: Slower modems may take several hours to download all recommended updates the first time you use Windows Update. Your download times will vary depending on how long it has been since you last updated and your modem speed. To reduce download times, run Windows Update when you will not be using your computer for other Internet-related tasks.
- In the Pick updates to install list on the left side of your screen, click Critical Updates and Service Packs. Windows Update will create a list of the updates appropriate for your computer.
- Click Review and install updates. Select the updates to install, including any service packs and the critical updates pre-selected for you, including service packs, and then click Install Now. You may need to restart your computer after installing the updates.
Click Review and install updates
Note: Be sure to go back to Windows Update after rebooting to check for any additional updates. You may need to do this several times.
Important note for Microsoft Office users: You should also visit the Office Update site to install the latest security releases. |
