Keeping your computer updated is important to ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently, and if you have a Windows operating system, checking for and downloading updates is easy. Microsoft Windows Update can give you a detailed overview of what updates your computer requires, what programs they are for, as well as a history of the updates you have uploaded recently. Here is how to use Windows Update, step by step to make sure your PC is running at its best!

Access Updates in Windows

Windows Update is part of the Windows Control Panel.

Click Start >

Control Panel >

System and Maintenance >

Windows Update.

From here you can see whether your computer needs any updates, turn on automatic update downloads, and view installed updates. If you want to keep your computer running at its most efficient, but don’t want to constantly check for updates, or think that you are likely to forget to, it is recommended that you activate automatic updates for your PC. Windows gives you 4 options for setting up automatic updates.

• Install Updates Automatically

• Download updates but let me choose whether to install them

• Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them

• Never Check for Updates

The default option for Windows is the first, and this is the no-hassle option that is best for most Windows Vista and 7 users. If, on the other hand you are a little more selective about how your PC runs, and you have some knowledge of which programs you actually use, and whether the updates are necessary or not, perhaps one of the middle options is best for you. It is never recommended that you choose the latter option unless you are diligent about manually checking for updates. From here you can also change settings regarding which users can install updates, and the time of day and day of the week that Windows Update will search and install appropriate updates on its own.

Access Updates Online

The other option is the check for updates yourself on the Microsoft website. This option will allow you to diagnose your PC and make sure it is running smoothly. It will give you a run-down of all the available updates that are recommended for your PC.

http://update.microsoft.com

Once you click this link, or type in the address into your browser, you will automatically be taken to a landing page that gives you basic instructions on how to access Windows Update on your PC. It should also automatically launch Windows Update, and will tell you whether any updates are needed. It will also tell you the last time updates were checked, and installed. It will also tell you which type of updates you are set up to receive. The default in this case is all Microsoft products on your PC, including Microsoft Office if you have it.

Following these simple steps can keep your PC running at it most efficient, and will protect your computer from becoming slow, inefficient and frustrating to use!