Microsoft Windows Update is an important web program that updates computers running the Windows operating system with the latest security updates.   Windows Update will scan your computer for any security issues and install the proper updates to fix it.  Running the Windows Update application on a regular basis is critical to protect your computer from the latest viruses, worms, and other malware. 

To run Windows Update on computers runnsing the Windows Vista operating system, please follow the instructions below:

1. Click the Windows icon (also called the "Start" button) in the bottom left corner of your desktop and select Windows Update from the menu.
   
    
2. Click the CHECK FOR UPDATES button.   
   
    
3. Windows Update will scan your computer for any required security updates.
   
    
4. If your computer needs any security updates installed, you will be shown the screen below.  Click INSTALL UPDATES to install the required updates. 
   
    
5. At some point during the install process, you may be prompted with a message similar to the one below.  Click I ACCEPT to any of these messages.
   
    
6. After the updates have been successfully installed, you may be prompted to restart your computer.  If so, make sure you have closed any running applications and saved all work before continuing.  If not, you can close the screen below by clicking the X in the upper right corner of the screen.
   
7. Your machine is now up-to-date.