Windows Update

Keep your PC up to date

With Windows Update, it's easy—and free.

What is Windows Update?

There's an easy, free way to help keep your PC safer and running smoothly. It's called Windows Update. All you have to do is turn it on, and you'll get the latest security and other important updates from Microsoft automatically.

Check your settings

Setting up Windows Update is simple: Just go to the Microsoft Update website. If you've already got automatic updating turned on, Windows Update in Control Panel will open and show your update status. If it's not yet turned on, you'll be guided through the steps to do so. After that, all the latest security and performance improvements will be installed on your PC quickly and reliably.

It's (mostly) automatic

When you turn on automatic updating, most updates will download and install without you having to lift a finger. But sometimes Windows Update will need your input during an installation. In this case, you'll see an alert in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar—be sure to click it. If you don't respond to a Windows Update alert, your PC might end up missing an important download.

We recommend that you use automatic updating—but if you choose not to, be sure to check for updates at least once a week.