Windows Update facts for kids
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Windows Update on Windows 10 in light mode, showing PC is up-to-date
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| Other names | Microsoft Update |
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| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
| Operating system |
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| Included with |
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| Service name | Windows Update |
| Type | Network service |
Windows Update is a special tool on your computer that helps keep Microsoft Windows fresh and safe. It makes sure your computer always has the newest updates. These updates can fix problems, add new features, and protect your computer from viruses.
Windows Update also helps update other important parts of your computer. For example, it updates Windows Defender, which is a program that protects your computer from harmful software. It also updates the Junk Mail filter in Windows Mail, which helps stop unwanted emails.
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What is Microsoft Update?
Sometimes, you might hear about "Microsoft Update." This is like a bigger version of Windows Update. While Windows Update focuses on your Windows operating system, Microsoft Update does even more. It provides updates not only for Windows but also for other programs made by Microsoft. This includes popular software like Microsoft Office, which many people use for school or work.
How Windows Update Started
Windows Update first appeared when Windows 98 was released. Back then, you had to visit a special website using Internet Explorer to get your updates. Over time, this system changed a lot.
Automatic Updates Arrive
With the release of Windows Me, a cool new feature was added. It was called Automatic Updates. This meant your computer could download and install updates by itself. You didn't have to go to a website anymore. Updates could even be installed in the background while you were doing other things.
Windows Update Becomes an App
Later, with Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7, Windows Update changed again. Instead of a website, it became a special program on your computer. This made it even easier to get your updates. You just opened the program, and it would find and install what your computer needed.
Images for kids
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The Windows Update website, version 4, in Windows ME
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A message about a critical update in Windows 98
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The "Restart Required" message from Automatic Updates in Windows XP
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The updated restart message in Windows Vista
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The Microsoft Update website in Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP
See also
In Spanish: Windows Update para niños
