A: Every operating system needs to be maintained and updated on a regular basis to ensure its functionality and security. The Microsoft Windows Update site provides critical updates, security fixes, software downloads, and device drivers for your Windows-based computer. When you use Windows Update, your computer is analyzed to determine your current setup. You are then given a list of possible updates for your computer. Use Windows Update at least once a month to keep your Windows computer current.
Q: How much does Windows Update cost?
A: Windows Update is free to use. You paid for using Windows Update when you purchased your version of Windows.
Q: How do I use Windows Update?
A: There are several different ways to use Windows Update. The following instructions will be the same for every version of Windows that has Internet Explorer 5.0 or above. To find out what version of Internet Explorer you have, open Internet Explorer and click on the help menu and select about Internet Explorer. The version number listed there.
**DISCLAIMER**
IT IS ALWAYS BEST PRACTICE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR COMPUTER IS BACKED UP BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO UPDATE THE OPERATING SYSTEM. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE DONE DURING THE UPDATE PROCESS.
1. Open Internet Explorer. Open the Tools menu located on the top and select Windows Update.
2. If you have not been to the Windows Update Web site before, you will be prompted to install some software. WINDOWS UPDATE WILL NOT WORK UNLESS YOU DO THIS!
3. After the software is installed, you will see a blue link in the middle of the page that says "Scan for updates now". Click this link to continue.
4. The Windows Update Web site will now scan your Windows configuration to find out what updates you have not installed and the ones you have. When it reaches 100% you will be able to select the updates. There are 4 different types of updates to install:
Service Pack: Service packs feature several updates in one installation. They may contain several previous critical updates in addition to other bug fixes and new tools.
Critical Update: This is the most important type of update. All critical updates should be installed to keep your computer secure and in good working order.
Recommended Update: This type of update is often a fix to an uncommon problem. You do not need to install recommended updates, but you should read the documentation on them and decide for yourself whether or not you want to install it.
Driver patches and other software updates: These updates are usually very specific to certain hardware and software. You should only install these updates if you use the piece of software or hardware in question.
**Note--the "Critical" and "Service Packs" updates will be selected by default after scanning.
5. After you have selected your updates, click on the blue link "Review and install updates".
6. Click on "Install now".
7. You will get a pop-up window with Microsoft's licensing agreement. Please read this carefully and when done, click "I Agree".
8. The rest of the update process will be automated. When completed, you may be prompted to restart your computer.
For further information on Windows Updates, please refer to the links below:
Windows Update Frequently Asked Questions
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