Get security updates automatically

Ready to download the latest updates? Skip the details and go to Microsoft Update.

Turn on automatic updating in the control panel

You might already have automatic updating turned on. To find out, go to the Microsoft Update website. Windows Update in Control Panel will open and if automatic updating is not turned on, you'll be guided through the steps to set it up. After that, all the latest security and performance improvements will be installed on your PC quickly and reliably.

Pay attention to Windows Update warnings

When you turn on automatic updating, most updates will download and install on their own. 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.

Make sure automatic updating is turned on in Windows 8

In Windows 8, Windows will turn on automatic updating during setup unless you choose to turn it off. To check this setting and turn on automatic updating, open the Search charm, enter Turn automatic updating on or off, and tap or click Settings to find it.

Other steps you can take to help protect your computer

• Make sure you have a firewall turned on and up-to-date antivirus and antispyware programs.
• Scan and clean your computer to remove malicious software.

End of support for Windows XP

Support is ending for some versions of Windows, and security updates will no longer be available for those versions. Find out what you need to do.

Technical information about security updates

If you are an IT professional or a system administrator, or if you’d like additional information about security updates, go to Security TechCenter or read the Microsoft Security Response Center Blog.