Keeping the Windows Operating System up to date, is by far the most important thing you can do as a responsible owner and user of a personal computer. Microsoft does its best to deliver a product that is secure and easy to use, but with millions of lines of computer code to check and manage, it is easy to see why sometimes holes occur and why patches are needed.

For users of Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the update process has never been easier. The built-in Windows Update Tool allows you to tell your computer to fix itself!

For users of Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows ME, consider upgrading your computer's operating system to the Windows XP platform. Windows XP is more secure and more stable than many of these older operating systems. If you can not upgrade your operating system, then you will need to manually check the Internet for updates and patches using the online version of the Windows Update Tool. Note, however, that many of these earlier versions of Windows are nearing the end of their support life-cycles, which means that patches and security updates will not be available anymore.

 

How To Run Windows Update

For users of Windows 2000 and Windows XP, simply use the built-in Windows Update tool. To print these steps with screen shots, see the PDF version at the bottom of this page.

To start the tool, go to your START MENU and select All Programs. At the very top of this list, you should see a menu option that reads "Windows Update." Click this to get started.

If you do not have this menu option, simply open Internet Explorer and go to the web address: http://www.windowsupdate.com.

Once you are at the Windows Update website, click the Express button for the easiest and fastest way to get updates for your PC. Pushing this button will automatically download and install the critical updates and security patches you will need for your PC.

Alternatively, if you are comfortable servicing your own PC, you may click the Custom button. Windows Update will scan your PC and present you with a list of options to secure your PC. These are grouped in the left hand menu bar as: High Priority, Software (Optional), and Hardware (Optional). The high priority updates should be installed as soon as possible, while the optional ones can reviewed and installed as needed.

Once you have selected your updates, click the Install Updates button at the top of the page to begin the download and installation process. After the updates download, you will be prompted to either do an Express Install or Custom Install. Again, choose the option that is easiest for you, and click OK to begin the installation process. Some updates may require a reboot of your PC, and if that is the case, your PC will prompt you to do so.

 

Make Windows Update Automatic

Microsoft Windows XP, Service Pack 2, now includes a handy feature called the Windows Security Center. To access the Security Center, go to your START menu and open your All Programs folder. Inside this folder, choose the Accessories folder and then the System Tools folder. Buried deep down inside this last folder you will find Security Center .

Click on the Security Center menu item to launch the Windows Security Center tool.

From this window, you can set up your firewall, manage your anti-virus software, and configure your automatic updates settings. At the bottom of this window, you will see Manage security settings for: and a link to Automatic Updates. Click this menu option to open the Automatic Updates dialog box.

Here you have four options:

Turn Off Automatic Updates - Not recommended.

Notify Me, But Don't Automatically Download or Install Them - Only recommended if you remember to check on them!

Download Updates for Me, But Let Me Choose When to Install Them - Again, only recommended if you remember to check on them and install them.

Automatic - The best option for you and your PC! Click this menu's radio dial and then choose when Windows should get your updates and install them. Remember, you PC MUST be on and connected to the Internet for this to work. We strongly recommend you check everyday.

Click OK and you're done!

 

PDF Resources

• How to Run Windows Update