How to download a Windows update manually

Windows Update can help you download updates. But if you want to manually download a certain program in the Windows Update list, such as a Service Pack or a specific security update, follow these steps.

Resolution

All downloaders are located in the Microsoft Download Center. You can complete the download process through these steps.

Windows 7

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update.
In the Windows Update window, select either important updates are available or optional updates are available. The system will automatically check if there's any update that need to be installed, and display the updates that can be installed onto your computer. Please note the update number that you can download.
Select the Download Center link, type the update number in the [Search] box (e.g. 2286198) and then click on the search icon or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Microsoft Download Center will automatically search for all contents related to the update number you provided. Based on you operating system, select the Security Update for Windows 7.
Select Download in the download page for KB2286198. A window showing File Download appears, select Open to install the file automatically after downloading.

Windows Vista

Select Start > Control Panel > Security > Security Center > Windows Update in Windows Security Center.
Select View Available Updates in the Windows Update window. The system will automatically check if there's any update that need to be installed, and display the updates that can be installed onto your computer. Please note the update number that you can download.
Select the Download Center link, type the update number in the Search box (e.g. 960714) and then click on the search icon or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Microsoft Download Center will automatically search for all contents related to the update number you provided. Based on you operating system, select the Security Update for Windows Vista.
Select Download in the download page for KB960714. A window showing File Download appears, select Open to install the file automatically after downloading.

Windows XP

Select Start > Control Panel > Security Center > Check for the latest updates from Windows Update in Windows Security Center.
This will launch Internet Explorer, and open Microsoft Update – Windows Internet Explorer window. Select Custom under the Welcome to Microsoft Update section. The system will automatically check if there's any update that need to be installed, and display the updates that can be installed onto your computer. Please note the update file number that you need.
Select the Download Center link, type the update number in the Search box (e.g. 960714) and then click on the search icon or press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Microsoft Download Center will automatically search for all contents related to the update number you provided. Based on you operating system select the Security Update for Windows XP.
Select Download in the download page for KB960714. A window showing File Download - Security Warning appears; select Run to install the file automatically after downloading.

More information

If you wish to download a specific Hotfix, you may simply open the IE browser and input the number of the hotfix you wish to download into the Address bar, then click the View and request hotfix downloads link. Check the hotfix you wish to download; type your e-mail address and other details for verification, and then click on the Request hotfix button. The system will reply you with an e-mail, which contains the link to download this hotfix.

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