From time to time Microsoft releases updates to the Windows operating system and other Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.  Microsoft Windows Update is a way to check your computer and download any updates that have been released.  Windows Update first appeared in Windows 98, but Windows 95 users can still take advantage of some of the features.

Critical updates are what you always want to download.  These are fixes to the Windows operating system that most of the time address security holes that viruses and worms take advantage of.

Run Microsoft Windows Update at least every week by following these instructions:

Windows XP/Vista

1. Sign on to the Internet.
2. Open Microsoft Windows Update on your Desktop (or in your Maintenance folder).
   1. If you don't have an icon on your Desktop, click on the Start button.
   2. Click on All Programs.
   3. Click on Windows Update (or Microsoft Update) and wait a minute.  (If Certificate warnings pops up, click Yes.)
3. Click on Express Install (XP) and wait, then follow the onscreen instructions. (In Vista you will be told immediately if there are any Critical updates or not.)
   1. Click on Review and install updates above the list.
   2. Updates are in three categories: High Priority, Software, Optional and Hardware, Optional.  If there are any Critical Updates for your computer they will already be selected for you and will be ready to install. 
   3. Click Install Updates.
   4. Click Accept (if necessary)
   5. If there are no Critical Updates you will told so.
4. After installing updates you may be prompted to restart your computer.  If you are using AOL sign off of AOL first, then click Yes to restart your computer.

Windows XP and Vista will check for Critical updates every time you connect to the Internet and will automatically download them.  A small window will pop up in the lower right hand corner near the clock when a Critical update has been downloaded.  The message usually asks if you want to install the update.  Click Yes to install and restart your computer if told to do so.

Windows 98/ME

1. Sign on to the Internet.
2. Click on the Start button.
3. Click on Windows Update and wait a minute.  (If Certificate warnings pops up, click Yes.)
4. Click on Scan For Updates and wait.
5. Click on Review and install updates. If there are no Critical updates you will be told.
6. Updates are in three categories: Critical Updates, Windows and Driver Updates.  If there are any Critical Updates for your computer they will already be selected for you and will be ready to install.  Click Install Now.
7. Click Accept.
8. After installing updates you may be prompted to restart your computer.  If you are using AOL sign off of AOL first, then click Yes to restart your computer.

Windows 95

To run Windows Update in Windows 95 visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and then follow the instructions above for Windows 98/ME.