ISC's Computing Resource Center

Run Windows Update

All operating systems have inherent flaws or vulnerabilities built into them. Over time, hackers discover these vulnerabilities and write programs or viruses to try to exploit them. Operating system vendors, including Microsoft, release security updates in response to these exploits. Therefore, it’s important to keep current with any updates released by the operating system vendor. Follow the instructions below to install the latest Critical Updates for Windows to keep your computer safe.

What you need to do:

1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Close all active applications.
3. Launch Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 7.0 or above (FireFox or other web browsers will not work for this purpose). If you do not have at least Internet Explorer 7.0, you will need to it. A link to Internet Explorer 7.0 is available on the Supported Products web page.
4. Choose “Windows Update” from the Tools menu or go directly to Windows Update by pointing Internet Explorer to http://www.windowsupdate.com
   Please note that the Windows Update web site is sometimes very slow.
5. If Windows asks whether to install a new Windows Update, click “Yes.”
6. Click “Scan for updates.” Windows will scan your hard drive to determine what updates are already installed. Please wait until the scan reaches 100% and the message changes to “Pick Updates to Install.”
7. In the left-hand pane of the Windows Update window, click “Critical Updates and Service Packs.”
8. In the main Windows Update window, a series of updates should be listed - the length of the list depends on when you last ran Windows Update.
9. It is recommended that you install all critical updates.
   1. Click “Review and install updates.”
   2. Click “Install Now.” Windows will display a dialog box.
   3. Click “Accept.” Windows will download and install updates you have selected.
   4. Windows will display a dialog box requesting you restart. Click “Finish.”
10. Your workstation will restart and you may resume normal use of your computer.

To protect your computer from future vulnerabilities, be sure to remember to run Windows Update every week. For an even easier way to ensure you receive all critical updates, subscribe to the campus WAUS service.