Instructions for Using Microsoft's Windows Update Utility
  1. Click on the "Start" button and select "Windows Update".

    start_menu

    If you do not have the "Windows Update" icon in your start menu, you can get to the Microsoft's Windows Update page by opening Internet Explorer and  entering http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com in the address bar. If you choose this option you need to use Internet Explorer. The Windows Update program will not run within Netscape.

  2. The Windows Update program will begin checking your computer to determine which update need to be installed




  3. Click "Scan for Updates" to get of list of available updates




  4. Click on "Review and install updates"




  5. A list of recommended updates will be displayed. Click on "Install Now" to install the updates.




  6. Click "Accept" in the Microsoft Software Agreement windows to begin the update.




  7. Most updates will required that you restart your computer to complete the installation. If you click "Cancel" you will have to restart later for the updates to take effect. 




  8. When you restart you computer you should repeat steps 1- 3.  Some updates have to be installed individually so you may have to return to the update program to install the remaining update. If you see the screen below indicating that there are no critical updates available at this time, the update process is complete.