How to get an update through Windows Update

Applies to: Windows Server 2012 R2 DatacenterWindows Server 2012 R2 StandardWindows Server 2012 R2 Essentials More

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

Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2

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.

See the frequently asked questions for Windows Update in Windows 8.1.

Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012

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.

Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2

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.

See the frequently asked questions for Windows Update in Windows 7.

Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008

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.

Last Updated: 4 Jun 2015