It’s always imperative that you keep your computer software up to date. This is especially true when talking about an operating system like Windows. Microsoft regularly releases updates, bug fixes and additional features free to Windows users. These updates can be quickly and easily downloaded and installed via a native application within the operating system itself. Updates can also be downloaded for other Microsoft products, like the Microsoft Office productivity suite, through the same utility.

Step 1

Open Windows Update. There are a few different ways you can accomplish this. The first is by clicking “Start,” selecting “All Programs” and choosing the icon for the utility. The second is by clicking “Start” and typing “Windows Update” into the search box. The utility will appear in the list of programs that appears shortly thereafter. Click the icon to open the program.

Step 2

Give Windows Update a few seconds to automatically check for available updates. If no updates are available, you will be notified at this time. If updates are available they will be separated into two categories – “Important Updates” and “Optional Updates.”

Step 3

Click “Important Updates” to view a list of the available updates in this category. These types of updates include ones to important system files and the Windows operating system itself. Check the box next to any update you want to download. Because they are considered important, it is typically recommended that you download any updates in this section. Click the “Ok” button when finished.

Step 4

Click “Optional Updates” to view a list of available updates in this category. These types of updates include ones to the optional Microsoft Windows anti-malware utility, ones for Microsoft Office and other updates of similar nature. You do not have to download or install any updates in this category if you don’t want to. Check the box next to any update you want to download. Click the “Ok” button when finished.

Step 5

Click the “Install Updates” button on the right side of the screen. Windows Update will download the necessary files for all of the updates you have previously selected. When the download is finished, the updates will automatically be installed.

Step 6

Click “Restart Now.” In order to finish installed updates, Microsoft Windows often needs to be rebooted. Clicking the “Restart Now” button will turn your computer off and turn it back on again. The installation for the selected updates will be complete.