Windows Update: The easy way to help your computer

If you’re running Microsoft Windows XP or Vista at work then odds are when you go to Windows Update it doesn’t look like the picture above.  Every week Microsoft pushes out software updates to fix problems ranging from security issues, to reliability, to bug fixes which may have been driving you crazy for months.  I know, who has time to go through and make sure their computer is up to date?  You could call in a professional (like TechMinds) to do that, but depending on how far behind you are it could take the better part of a day.  And honestly, this is something you can do yourself.  Give yourself a week (Monday through Friday) to get everything updated and your computers will be stable, faster, and less buggy.  After all, that’s why these updates are released weekly.

For Windows XP:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Automatic Updates.
3. Choose Automatic (recommended).
4. Connect to the Internet and go to the Microsoft Update website or click Microsoft Update on any Microsoft.com site and click on Check for Updates.
   
5. Click either Express or Custom installation.Express finds High-priority updates for your PC, which you install with one click.  Custom finds both High-priority and Optional. You individually review and select the updates you want to install.
6. Microsoft Update scans your PC to identify which updates your PC needs. Follow the directions on the screen to download and install them.

For Windows Vista it’s even easier:

1. Open Windows Update (click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update).
2. Click the Get updates for more products button. (Note: If this button does not appear, it’s likely you’ve already enabled Microsoft Update. This may happen when you installed other software programs like Microsoft Office 2007. In this case, the phrase “You receive updates: For Windows and other products from Microsoft Update” should appear near the bottom of the window.)
3. Follow the instructions to use Microsoft Update. Windows Update will begin to scan your PC for available updates for Windows and other Microsoft products if you have automatic updating turned on.

Depending on how far behind each computer is you may need to restart the PC and find more updates more than once.  It may seem like a lot, but this is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your computer running the way it should.  After all, if you rarely check for new updates it’s likely whatever problems you may be having have been fixed for a long time.  Whether you do it yourself, or pay someone to come in and bring your computers up to date, this process can save you a lot of time and money down the road.