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Configuring Microsoft Windows Updates

Microsoft Windows Update is designed for workstations that have the Windows operating system installed. It is an online installer that assists with installation of service packs and/or patches, driver updates, and security patches to update your Windows operating system.

Please note: "Service Packs" should not be installed without technical assistance, but you may continue to install the security patches, driver updates, system files and new feature packages.

How to Intall Microsoft Updates:

  1. Close all programs and launch Microsoft Windows Update (If you receive an "Administrator only" page, please contact the Faculty-Staff Help Desk (x50722) or Student Help Desk (x59576).
  2. If prompted to, install the latest version of Microsoft's Update Software.

  3. In the "Windows Update" dialog box, click on the button labeled 'Express' to scan for and automatically install any high-priority updates to your computer. If you wish to be able to pick which, if any, updates are to be installed on your PC then click on the button labeled 'Custom'

    Express Scan for Updates

  4. Once Windows Update has finished scanning your PC it will display a list of the Updates to be installed. If you had clicked on the button labeled 'Custom' in step # 3, and you wish to add or remove updates from the list to be installed, scroll through and select those updates to be installed. If there are no updates that need to be installed, a message stating "There are no updates available at this time" will appear, otherwise click on the button labeled 'Install Updates'.


    5. Install Updates

  5. After the updates are installed you may be required to reboot your PC. If prompted to do so, close any open applications and click on the button labeled "Restart my machine' to reboot your PC.


    6. Restart

  6. Once the PC reboots, please go back to step one to verify that all updates have been installed

    For technical assistance, please contact the Help Desk:

    Students:Faculty and Staff:
    Student Help DeskFaculty and Staff Help Desk
    (617) 495-9576(617) 495-0722
    help@law.harvard.eduhlshelp@law.harvard.edu