Using Windows Update via the Web

Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP

Unfortunately, windows 95, 98, and ME cannot be configured to automatically notify you of updates. However, checking for updates is very simple and if done on a regular basis should not take a lot of time.

Please be aware that if you have not updated or patched your computer in a long time, the first Windows Update may take longer then normal.

  1. Click on the Start Men
    • Then click on Windows Update

    Windows Start Menu

    This should launch your web browser and take you to Microsoft's Windows Update page.

    If you do not find Windows Update under your Start menu

    Then open up Internet Explorer and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

  2. The Windows Update page should look something like the following

    Windows Update Page

  3. Windows will check to make sure you have the latest version of the windows update software. If you have an older version, you may see a window that looks like the following. Click Yes to download and install the latest version of Windows Update. Do not click the box that says "Always trust content from Microsoft Corperation"

    Security Warning

  4. Windows Update is now ready to scan your computer to look for updates. Click "Scan for Updates" to begin

    Windows Update Page

  5. Once Windows Update is done scanning your computer it will display the following if there are updates for you to install. You will need to click on "Review and install updates" to see the updates. We recommend that you only install the "Critical Updates and Service Packs".

    Windows Update Page

  6. After you click on "Review and install updates" you will see a list of the updates. Some updates can be downloaded at the same time while others have to be downloaded and installed sperately. You will get an alert if the update requires a seperate download. If this happens you will need to repeat the process to download the remaining updates. Click "Install" when you are ready to download the updates.

    Windows Update Page

  7. Usually you will be asked to "Accept" an License Agreement before you can begin the dowload.

     

  8. You may be required to restart your computer to finish the installation of the patch. If you get this prompt, click "OK"

    Restart

  9. After you restart your computer revisit the Windows Update site until it says that there are "no critical updates available at this time"

    No Updates

    Keeping your operating system up to date is only one part of maintaining a secure computer. Please make sure to install Symantec Anti-Virus or other anti-virus software to keep your computer virus free.