Windows Update is a Microsoft service that's used to provide updates like service packs and patches for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft software.
Windows Update is used to keep Microsoft Windows and several other Microsoft programs updated.
Updates often include feature enhancements and security updates to protect Windows from malware and malicious attacks.
How you access Windows Update depends on which Windows operating system you're using:
Windows 7 and Windows Vista: Windows update is integrated as a Control Panel applet and is accessible from within Control Panel.
Windows XP, 2000, ME, 98: Windows Update is accessible via the Windows Update website.
Using either the Windows Update Control Panel applet or the Windows Update website, a list of available updates customized to your specific computer are made available.
Selecting the updates you wish to install and following the resulting instructions will download and install the updates.
Note: The option to install the most important updates automatically is available through Windows Update beginning in Windows ME.
All Windows operating systems since Windows 98 are able to use Windows Update.
