How To Update Your Computer's Operating System
As flaws are found in your computer's operating system, they are patched through system updates. All operating systems require updates to repair security flaws that are found after the software was originally released.
Windows XP with Service Pack 2
- Left-click on the Start button, most often found at the bottom left of your screen. Choose either Control Panel or Settings and then Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, choose Security Center. This will show up regardless of your Control Panel display choices.
- In the Security Center window, look to the bottom section, under Manage security settings for: and choose Automatic Updates.
- If your machine stays on all night, choose Automatic. If not, choose Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them. If you choose the second, you must be on the lookout for warnings appearing on the task bar calling for your attention. When you are informed that updates are ready to install, you must do so.
- Click OK at the bottom of the window to finish.
Windows XP (Earlier Versions)
- Right-click on the My Computer icon and then left-click on Properties. This should bring up a window called System Properties.
- In the System Properties window click on the tab labeled Automatic Updates, located near the top of the window.
- Check the box labeled Keep my computer up to date.
- In the Settings section, choose Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
- Click OK at the bottom of the window to finish.
Every time Windows finds new updates, you will see a notification message in the lower right-hand corner of the screen that new updates are ready to be installed. Do not ignore the Windows update message! Just say yes and allow the installation to proceed. After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to close down and restart your computer.