To run Windows Update, you must have Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher. To check which version you have, open IE, and from the Help menu in the menu bar, choose About Internet Explorer.
NOTE: You must be logged in as an administrator on your computer to run Windows Update.
From the IE menu bar, choose Tools and select Windows Update.
This toolbar item will take you directly to Microsoft's Windows Update web site. You may get the following security warning:
Click Yes.
Now you will see the Windows Update site. Click the Scan for Updates link:
Windows Update will check to see if any new updates have been released since the last time your computer was patched. When it's finished checking, click on the Review and Install Updates link.
Now you will see any Critical Updates which are not currently installed on your computer.
Review the Critical Updates listed. In general, you should install any Critical Updates which appear, although if in doubt, always check with a system administrator or your local computer support staff. If you do not wish to install an update, click the Remove button immediately below its description.
When you have finished reviewing the list and have removed any updates you do not want, click the Install Now button at the top of the screen.
Often you can install all the updates at once. If an update you have selected must be installed separately, it will be installed first, and you will then be given an option to install the other updates before restarting your computer.
WARNING: Do not install patches or updates other than the Critical Updates without consulting a systems administrator or your department support staff. Other updates are not necessary to keep your computer secure and may cause conflicts on some computer configuratons.