How to Update Windows

Microsoft is always working on improving the quality of its Windows operating systems by fixing bugs and enhancing features to the operating system and associated programs. It makes these changes available to Windows users through the Windows Update feature. There are three ways you can get these Windows Updates , through the tool that is built into your operating system, from Microsoft's website and through Automatic Updates.

Method1

Use the Built-in Windows Update Tool

1. 
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   Click the "Start" button, choose "All Programs" and select "Windows Update." Or, if you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can open the "Control Panel," choose "Safety and Security" and click on "Windows Update."
2. 
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   Select "Check for updates." Wait as the Windows Update tool scans checks for updates that you have not installed. If you see a message that says, "Updates are available for your computer" or "Install updates for your computer," click the button labeled "Install updates."
3. 
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   Wait as the updates install. Restart your computer when prompted to complete the updating process.

Method2

Download from Microsoft's Website

1. 
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   Open Internet Explorer and go to http://update.microsoft.com Click the "Express" button to see only high-priority updates that need to be installed for your computer. Click the "Custom" button if you want to view optional updates in addition to high-priority updates.
2. 
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   Wait as the updater scans and gathers necessary information from your computer. It will need to find out what operating system you are using, along with the version of Microsoft programs you have on your computer that are affected by Windows updates.
3. 3
   View the updates that are available for your computer once the updater finishes scanning. Select the ones you want to download and click "Get updates."
4. 4
   Click the "Open" button and then click the "Run" button when the message appears asking what you want to do with the download. Click "Next" and follow the instructions on the installation wizard.
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   Restart your computer once the installer finishes installing the updates.

Method3

Set up Automatic Updates

1. 
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   Click the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel." If you are using Windows XP, choose "Automatic Updates." If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, choose "System and Security," and then click on "Turn automatic updating on or off."
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   Select the radio button next to "Automatic (recommended)" if you are using Windows XP. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on the drop-down menu and choose "Install updates automatically (recommended)."
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   Push the "OK" button to close the window and confirm your Automatic Update preferences. Automatic Updates will now take care of your updates for you automatically, based on your settings.