How do I perform a Windows Update?
Problem:
I was informed that it would be a good idea to run a Windows updates on my computer. How do I go about doing this?Solution:
Windows Update downloads and installs the latest updates/patches available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Since new computer security vulnerabilities are emerging everyday, it important to keep your Windows computer current and protected.
Please note that you must have Administrator rights on the local machine to
use Windows Update. These directions are geared towards individuals who
own laptops or equipment not frequently located on the premises. We strongly
suggest that you run Windows Update when on a highspeed connection. Otherwise,
it could take several hours to downloads a larger update from the Microsoft
site.
- Open Internet Explorer and look under the Tools menu item for Windows Update. If you cannot locate a Windows Update link there, type http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com into the browser address bar (please not that windows update may not work with older version of IE or other web browsers).
- After successfully accessing Microsoft's website, you will be notified that the system is "Checking for the latest version of the Windows Update software... This may take a while". You may be notified via a pop-up message that the Windows Update V4 Control is required. Click Yes and proceed.
- "Welcome to Windows Update" will be noted at the top of the webpage. Below
you should see a Scan for updates link. Click it.
- The page will now note "Looking for Available Updates" followed by a progress meter. After the meter reaches 100%, the webpage will note "Pick updates to install". Below you should see a Review and Install updates. Click it.
- There will be a list of updates, each with a Remove button after it. It is usually recommended to install all of the updates, unless IT has notified you of a special situation (e.g. PeopleSoft not working with a new Windows patch). Choose Install Now.
- The chosen update(s) will automatically download and install. You will be given the choice to not restart your computer, otherwise Windows Update will restart your computer for you. TheuUpdates will not take effect until you have restarted your computer..
- If you did not install all of the updates (e.g. you had to install an exclusive update), go back to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get the rest.
- Run Windows Update one more time to make sure there are no more updates.
Running Windows Update Automatically in Windows XP
- Choose Start, then Control Panel.
- Double-click on System.
- Choose the Automatic Updates tab. Make sure that the Keep my computer up to date box is checked.
- Choose an appropriate process from the Settings area based on your computer use. We suggest Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
- Choose the OK button.
