1. Looking for the latest updates for your personal computer? When you click Windows Update on the Start menu or the Help and Support Center home page, Windows Update makes it easy and only offers you updates that are specific to your computer's needs. Read more about Windows Update.
2. If you're a network administrator or advanced user and you need to download updates for other computers, take advantage of the Windows Update Catalog. Simply click Windows Update Catalog in the left navigation pane (if you don't see it, click Personalize Windows Update to see options for displaying this link). Read more about the Windows Update Catalog.

• How do I know if I need an update?
  Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the items on your computer. During the scan, a list of categories appears under Welcome to Windows Update and the number of updates that are available in each category is noted in parentheses.
  
  
• Critical Updates are important!
  Any update that is critical to the operation of your computer is considered a "Critical Update," and is automatically selected for installation during the scan for available updates. These updates are provided to help resolve known issues, and to protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities. Whether a critical update applies to your operating system, software programs, or hardware, it is listed in the "Critical Updates" category.
  
  
• How does it all work?
  Follow a simple, three-step process to get the updates you need to keep your computer up-to-date:
  
  1. When you enter Windows Update, click Scan for updates.
  2. As you browse through the available updates in each category, click Add to select the update of your choice and add it to the collection of updates you want to install. You can also read a full description of each item by clicking the Read more link.
  3. When you have selected all the updates you want, click Review and install updates, and then click Install Now.
  Note Some updates may require that you restart your computer. Save your work and close any open programs before beginning the installation process.
  
  
• Have questions about an update?
  Each update is accompanied by a brief description and a Read more link. Click Read more at any time to view information that is specific to each update. Included in this information are system requirements and, if applicable, instructions on how to use and how to uninstall the update.
  
  
• To see the list of updates you have installed from Windows Update, click View installation history.
  
  
• For details on Windows Update site support and support for updates you have installed from Windows Update, visit the Support Information page.
  

Updates for Microsoft Windows

The Microsoft Windows updates found on the site include fixes, updates, and enhancements to the following Windows operating systems:

Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me)
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
the 64-bit versions of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family

The categories for the Windows operating system updates are:

• Critical Updates – security fixes and other important updates to keep your computers current and your network secure.
• Recommended Downloads – the latest Windows and Internet Explorer service packs and other important updates.
• Windows Tools - utilities and other tools provided to enhance performance, facilitate upgrades, and ease the burden on system administrators.
• Internet and Multimedia Updates – the latest Internet Explorer releases, upgrades to your Windows Media™ Player, and more.
• Additional Windows Downloads – updates for your desktop settings and other Windows features.
• Multi-Language Features – menus and dialog boxes, language support, and Input Method Editors for a variety of languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Windows Update?
   Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose updates for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.
   
2. What is an ActiveX control?
   ActiveX Controls are reusable software components that incorporate ActiveX technology. These components can be used to add specialized functionality, such as animation or pop-up menus, to Web pages, programs, and software development tools. Windows Update uses ActiveX controls to check what software is installed on your computer in order to provide you with a correct list of updates and other software you may want to download.
   
3. What is the best resolution for viewing the Windows Update site?
   The Web pages on the Windows Update site were designed to be viewed at 800 by 600 or higher screen resolution. To set this resolution, click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. Click the Appearance and Themes icon, and then click Change the screen resolution