How to Check for Missing Security Updates From Microsoft
By Heather Marlman
Microsoft Windows routinely produces updates to its operating system and software programs to prevent potential security risks to their users. Be sure you have all of the current security updates for your Microsoft products by visiting the Windows Update website. The Windows Update website is equipped with a system scanner that will analyze your computer to alert you about any high priority updates that should be downloaded and installed on your computer.
From the "Start" button on your Windows Operating system, select "Windows Update" to automatically open the Windows Update website. If this option is not listed, or you are unable to locate it, open your Web browser and go to the Windows Update website via the link listed in the References section of this article.
If prompted, allow any ActiveX Controls to permit the Windows Update website to scan your computer system.
Select the option labeled "Express" to scan your computer and search for any critical or high-priority updates that should be installed on your system.
Once the Windows Update website has completed the scan, a list of available updates will be displayed. Select the option to install all of the updates. Some critical updates may require that your computer be re-booted after their installation. If your computer needs to be rebooted, return to the Windows Update website after the reboot, then repeat the scan to be sure that all critical security updates have been downloaded and installed.
References
Tips
- Turn on the option for "Automatic Updates" by selecting the option on the right side of the Windows Update website. Select a day and time for your computer to routinely check for updates and allow permission for those updates to be downloaded and installed on your computer.
- Select the option to run a "Custom" scan from the Windows Update website to search for optional updates for Microsoft programs and device drivers located on your computer.
Writer Bio
Heather Marlman is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. Her articles have appeared in print in the Southern Indiana newspapers "The Banner-Gazette," "The Leader," "The Giveaway" and "The Washington County Edition" as well as online at various websites.