Windows - Using Windows Update
This document explains how to use Windows Update to install critical updates.
Select your Operating System:
NOTE: If you would like Microsoft Office updates to be included in the Windows updates you must follow the steps here.
Windows 10
- Go to the Start Screen screen and type windows update. Select Check for updates.

- If Windows Update says that your PC is up to date, then your computer has all updates currently available for your computer. Otherwise click on the Check for Updates button. Windows will now check for and install all updates.
Note: To install optional updates click Install Now after checking for updates.

Windows 8
- Go to the Start Screen screen and type windows update. Select Settings on the right, and then select Windows Update on the left.

- You can select "Check for updates now" to check for new updates. If your updates are not set to automatically install, click on the purple text above that lists the number of updates and you will be able to manually install them.

Windows Vista/7
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Click on All Programs.

- Click on Windows Update.

- When the window comes up, click Get updates for more products. Afterwards, click on Check for updates in the top left corner of the window. Note: If you forget step 1, you will only update Windows and not any of the office products.

- 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
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Click on All Programs.

- Click on Windows Update.

-
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.

-
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.
-
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.

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