Your computer is up to date when you've installed the latest updates for Windows and for your computer programs. To get updates for Windows and other Microsoft programs at the same time, including updates for Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and more), go to the Microsoft Update website.

If you're already using Microsoft Update, which works with Windows automatic updating, Windows Update in the Control Panel will automatically open and display your update status.

Turn on automatic updating

To help ensure that you get your updates automatically, click Change settings. Under Important updates choose Install updates automatically (recommended).

If you don’t want to use Microsoft Update, you can follow these steps to get updates just for Windows:

1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Update.
2. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
3. If any updates are found, click Install updates.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

To check for updates for other software programs and devices, go to the publisher's or manufacturer's website.