Step 2: Run Microsoft Update

Load Service Packs

Windows users should be aware of which version of the operating system they are running and should update to the latest Service Pack. To determine which Service Pack is installed on your computer and to download the latest Service Pack, visit the ISO Microsoft Windows Security Patches and Updates page.

Upgrade to Microsoft Update

Microsoft developed Microsoft Update to install Windows and Office patches via the web making it easier to keep Microsoft products up-to-date.

The following steps will upgrade Windows Update to Microsoft Update:

IMPORTANT: You MUST use Internet Explorer to use Microsoft Update.

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. In the Address Bar type http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate (Microsoft Update web page).
3. If prompted, install the Microsoft Update ActiveX control.
   
   • Right-click the Information Bar (below the Address Bar).
     
   • Select Install ActiveX Control from the pop-up menu.
   • In the Security Warning dialog box, click Install.
     
4. If you haven't already configured your computer for automatic updates, "Change your Automatic Updates setting" appears. Click Turn it on now.
   
   
5. The Automatic Update window appears. Under Install new updates, select Every day. Be sure to select a time when your computer is turned ON and has Internet access.
6. The "Microsoft Update setup is complete" window appears. Click the Check for Updates button. Continue with the Run Microsoft Update steps below.

Run Microsoft Update

1. A Microsoft Update screen appears (similar to the following) select Express to update Microsoft Office AND the Microsoft operating system.
   
2. The program scans your system to determine which updates you need to install. Once the program finishes scanning, one of the following appears:
   • A message that "No high-priority updates for your computer are available...". If this message appears, you're done! Your computer is up to date.
     
   • A list of updates that you need to install. If this list appears, click Install Updates. The program will hang for a few moments as the updates are installed.
     
     IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a high number of priority updates to install, you may be prompted to reboot your system between updates. To assure that ALL AVAILABLE updates have been installed:
     • Relaunch Internet Explorer
     • Revisit the Microsoft Update web page
     • Select Express. If the "No high-priority updates for your computer are available..." message appears. You're done. If the Install Updates message appears again, click Install Updates. Repeat the process until there are no high-priority updates.

 Step 3: Configure Windows Firewall

Last Updated: 4/1/09