Word > Security and privacy
Keep your computer updated by using Microsoft Update
This article explains what Microsoft Update options that you can use to keep Microsoft Office 2010 and
your other Microsoft software updated regularly and help keep your computer more secure.
In this article
Check for updates for Office programs
Check for updates for Windows Vista
Check for updates for Windows XP
What are updates?
Check for updates for Office programs
Microsoft Update delivers updates for Office 2010 and other Microsoft programs.
NOTE If your Office product was installed with Microsoft Office Click-to-Run, use Click-to-Run Product
Updates instead of Microsoft Update. Click the File tab, click Help, click Update Options, and then click
the option you want. For more information about Click-to-Run updates, see Update, repair, or uninstall
Office Click-to-Run.
1. Open an Office program.
2. Click the File tab. The Microsoft Office Backstage view appears.
3. Under Help, click Options.
4. Under Microsoft Tools, click Check for Product Updates.
5. On the Microsoft Update page, click Start Now.
Top of Page
Check for updates for Windows Vista
Microsoft Update can be set to automatically download and install Important and Recommended updates
in Windows Vista. This is the easiest way to make sure that your computer stays up to date and help keep
it more secure.
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
2. Do any of the following:
If updates need to be installed, click Install updates.
To start checking for updates, click Check for updates.
For more information, click View available updates.
In the Windows Update dialog box, click the links to make changes or learn more about the update
process.
Check for updates Search for available updates.
Change settings Select options for how your computer receives updates from Microsoft.
View update history View what has been installed and the status of those installations.
Restore hidden updates Hide updates from your computer and install them later.
Updates: frequently asked questions Learn more about the update process.
Top of Page
Check for updates for Windows XP
Microsoft Update is a single location for updates for your computer that is running on Windows XP. This
includes security and reliability updates, drivers, service packs, and feature updates.
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then double-click System.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Automatic Updates tab.
4. Select the settings you want to use.
5. Click Apply, and then click OK.
NOTE In Classic view, double-click System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab.
Top of Page
What are updates?
Updates are additions to software that can help prevent or fix problems, improve how your computer works,
or improve your computing experience. Microsoft Update is a Microsoft Web site that scans your computer
and gives you a list of updates relevant to your computer and its configuration. You decide what to
download and install.
NOTE You can set Windows to automatically install Important, Recommended, and Optional updates.
Before changing the update settings, talk to your system administrator, if you have one.
Updates for earlier versions of Office
If you use versions of Microsoft Office earlier than Office 2010, go to the Downloads page for updates, add-
ins, publications, and other information. On the Downloads page, under Browse Downloads by Product,
click the tab for your version of Office. Go to the program that you want.
