Applies to: Windows Server 2012 R2 DatacenterWindows Server 2012 R2 StandardWindows Server 2012 R2 EssentialsWindows Server 2012 R2 FoundationWindows 8.1 EnterpriseWindows 8.1 ProWindows 8.1Windows Server 2012 DatacenterWindows Server 2012 DatacenterWindows Server 2012 StandardWindows Server 2012 StandardWindows Server 2012 EssentialsWindows Server 2012 FoundationWindows Server 2012 FoundationWindows 8 EnterpriseWindows 8 ProWindows 8Windows Server 2008 R2 DatacenterWindows Server 2008 R2 EnterpriseWindows Server 2008 R2 FoundationWindows Server 2008 R2 StandardWindows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based SystemsWindows 7 UltimateWindows 7 EnterpriseWindows 7 ProfessionalWindows 7 Home PremiumWindows 7 Home BasicWindows 7 StarterWindows Server 2008 DatacenterWindows Server 2008 EnterpriseWindows Server 2008 StandardWindows Vista UltimateWindows Vista EnterpriseWindows Vista BusinessWindows Vista Home PremiumWindows Vista Home BasicWindows Vista StarterMore
This article describes how to obtain updates from Windows Update in Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista.
Detailed steps for each supported Windows operating system
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
In the search box, type Windows Update, and then tap or click Windows Update.
In the details pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
If you see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available, or telling you to review important or optional updates, click the message to view the updates to install.
In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install under Important or Optional, and then tap or click Install.
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. Or, if you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.
Tap or click Settings.
In the search box, type Windows Update.
Tap or click Install optional updates.
In the details pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
If you see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available, or telling you to review important or optional updates, click the message to view the updates to install.
In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install under Important or Optional, and then tap or click Install.
Click Start, type update in the search box, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
In the details pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
If you see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available, or telling you to review important or optional updates, click the message to view the updates to install.
In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install, click OK, and then click Install updates.
Click Start, type update in the search box, in the list of results, click Windows Update.
In the details pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.
If you see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available, or telling you to review important or optional updates, click the message to view the updates to install.
In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install, click OK, and then click Install updates.