Keep your computer more secure by getting regular updates. Use Microsoft Update to keep Microsoft Office and your other Microsoft software up to date.
In this article
Change Automatic Update settings for Windows 7
The best way to get security updates is to turn on Windows automatic updating and stay informed about security issues. For more information about automatic updates in Windows 7, click Start, and then click Help and Support.
If you are already using Microsoft Update to get updates for your computer running Windows 7, Windows Update in Control Panel displays your update status.
To change your Automatic Update settings, you must log on as a Microsoft Windows administrator, and then do the following:
- Exit all programs.
- Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click System and Security, and then click Windows Update.
- Click Change Settings.
- Make the changes that you want.
Top of Page
Check for updates for Windows Vista
Microsoft Update can be set to automatically download and install Important and Recommended updates in Windows Vista. This is the easiest way to make sure that your computer stays up to date and help keep it more secure.
- Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
- Do any of the following:
- If updates need to be installed, click Install updates.
- To start checking for updates, click Check for updates.
- For more information, click View available updates.
In the Windows Update dialog box, click the links to make changes or learn more about the update process.
- Check for updates Search for available updates.
- Change settings Select options for how your computer receives updates from Microsoft.
- View update history View what has been installed and the status of those installations.
- Restore hidden updates Hide updates from your computer and install them later.
- Updates: frequently asked questions Learn more about the update process.
Top of Page
Check for updates for Windows XP
Microsoft Update is a single location for updates for your computer that is running on Windows XP. This includes security and reliability updates, drivers, service packs, and feature updates.
- Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
- Click Performance and Maintenance, and then double-click System.
- In the System Properties dialog box, click the Automatic Updates tab.
- Select the settings you want to use.
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
Note In Classic view, double-click System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab.
Top of Page
Error messages when signing up for Microsoft Update service
When signing up for Microsoft Update service, the following message can appear, We cannot sign you up for the Microsoft Update service because there is a problem with the service.
This message can appear if you are not the computer's administrator. You can log on to your computer as an administrator, and then go to the Windows Microsoft Update site to sign up for the service.
Top of Page
What are updates?
Updates are additions to software that can help prevent or fix problems, improve how your computer works, or improve your computing experience. Microsoft Update is a Microsoft Web site that scans your computer and gives you a list of updates relevant to your computer and its configuration. You decide what to download and install.
Note You can set Windows to automatically install Important, Recommended, and Optional updates. Before changing the update settings, talk to your system administrator, if you have one.
Top of Page
