What is Windows Update, and how do I use it to update my Windows installation?

Note: At Indiana University, to ensure that no critical updates are missed, UITS requires automatic updating of user machines in campus housing, and strongly recommends it for off-campus users as well; see What is the Windows Automatic Updates feature and how do I use it?

If your computer is running Microsoft Windows, UITS recommends using Windows Update to update system with the latest system component updates, service packs (SPs), security fixes, free upgrades, and hardware driver updates. In Windows 7 and Vista, Windows Update is an application on your computer. In previous versions of Windows, you access Windows Update via the Windows Update web site.

Windows Update scans your computer to determine what updates you need, and lets you choose which to install and how to install them. Updates are categorized as follows:

• High priority: Install these critical updates as soon as they are available, before you install any others.
• Software (optional): These are noncritical updates for Windows programs.
• Hardware (optional): These are noncritical driver updates for Windows hardware devices.

When using Windows Update:

• You have to be connected to the Internet.
• For versions of Windows prior to Vista, you have to use Internet Explorer as your web browser.
• The updates can be large, and may take several hours to download over a dial-up connection.
• You need to be logged in with administrative rights.

  Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

To use Windows Update:

• Windows 7 and Vista: In the Start menu search field, enter "Windows Update". Open Windows Update, and then click Install Updates to download and install important updates for your computer. You may be prompted to restart your computer one or more times during or after the installation process.

  Alternatively, you can also select important updates are available or optional updates are available, and then choose which updates will be installed. If you do so, click OK at the bottom-right to get back to the main menu.

• Windows XP: Start Internet Explorer and go to Microsoft Windows Update. Once Windows Update is open, select one of the following options:
  
  
  • Express: If you choose this option, your computer will search for and select all critical updates.

    On the next screen, click Install Updates; all recommended updates will be downloaded and installed automatically. You may be prompted to restart your computer one or more times during or after the installation process.

  • Custom: This option returns both critical and optional updates. Applicable updates will be sorted into three categories on the left (High Priority, Software, and Hardware). You can click each of these categories and select which updates you would like to have installed.

    When you are ready, click Install Updates on the left, and then Install Updates on the next screen. You may be prompted to restart your computer one or more times during or after the installation process.

Comments/Questions/Corrections