How to get Windows updates in Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 - Windows Client (2024)

This article describes how to obtain updates from Windows Update in Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.

Applies to: Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1
Original KB number: 3067639

Detailed steps for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

1. 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 select Search.

2. In the search box, type Windows Update, and then tap or select Windows Update.

3. In the details pane, select Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.

4. If you see a message telling you that important or optional updates are available, or telling you to review important or optional updates, select the message to view the updates to install.

5. In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install under Important or Optional, and then tap or select Install.

   See Also

   Software Upgrade vs. Update: What is the Difference?

Detailed steps for Windows 7 Service Pack 1

1. Click Start, type update in the search box, in the list of results, click Windows Update.

2. In the details pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer.

3. 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.

4. In the list, select the check box for the updates that you want to install, click OK, and then click Install updates.

Reference

See the frequently asked questions for Windows Update.

Data collection

If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for deployment-related issues.