Express and custom installation options. Want to quickly improve the security of your PC with the latest security-related updates? The new Express install option automatically selects all high priority updates for your computer so you can select them with one click. If you want to spend more time browsing and choosing from the optional updates as well, choose the Custom install option.

Smart downloading. If you lose your Internet connection or if you disconnect while updates are downloading, no information is lost. The next time you go to Windows Update and select the update, the download will continue from where it was interrupted so you don't lose valuable connection time. And if you use Automatic Updates, Windows Update will not download any updates that the Automatic Updates feature has already downloaded for you.

Turn on Automatic Updates. Did you know that if you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows Update automatically delivers the latest high priority updates to your PC? It can even install those updates for you (highly recommended) on a schedule you specify. When you visit Windows Update, now you can see your current Automatic Updates settings, view the recommended setting for getting the latest security updates, and change Automatic Updates settings for your PC, directly from the Web site.

New update categories to help you choose. "High priority" updates are a new category on the Windows Update Web site, along with optional software and hardware categories. High priority updates can include critical and security-related updates, service packs, and update rollups. When you use the new Express install option, Windows Update automatically lists all high priority updates for your PC so you can start installing them with one click. Learn more about types of updates offered by Microsoft.

Easier update selection. If you choose Express install, Windows Update automatically lists all high priority updates for your PC. But if you want to install all available updates at one time, including optional updates and drivers, you can now select them with one click after you choose Custom Install.

Smarter updates. Some updates still need to be installed separately before they can take effect. Now you can select these updates up front and install them whenever it's convenient—without backtracking or recreating your list. And if an update replaces or includes any other updates, you only see the latest, most complete options. You don't have to try to choose between current and previous versions.

More information about drivers and updates. You asked for more information about what you're installing. Updates now contain a consistent set of information that you can review before you install each one. Just click the Details link in the update description. You'll also see information from Microsoft Device Manager to explain why you are offered particular drivers.

Beta software offers. From time to time, Windows Update can offer beta (pre-release) software and updates to beta software. We realize that beta software is not recommended or practical for all customers. If you want to be offered beta software releases when you visit Windows Update, go to the Settings page and select the Show beta products and related updates check box.

Get news about the latest important updates. When a critical issue becomes known, the new News section on the Windows Update home page will display the latest information. The news can also include useful tips to help you keep your computer more secure and up to date.

View your update history online. The View installation history option shows you which updates you've installed and when, provides descriptions of those updates, and notes errors that might have occurred during previous installations. You can print some or all history items.

Hide and restore updates. If you are offered an update that, for any reason, you don't want to install, you can hide it. This means that your list of available updates will display new updates only when you visit the Web site. If you decide to install hidden updates later, click Restore hidden updates and then you can choose from all available updates.

Windows Update Catalog. Windows Update offers a searchable catalog of all updates that have been published. If you manage multiple computers or networks that use more than one operating system, you can search the catalog for update specific to each system.

Windows Update Services. Windows Update Services, previously known as Software Update Services (SUS), can help administrators more efficiently deploy and manage updates across networks.

Search or filter troubleshooters. Our product support engineers have put together valuable troubleshooting steps for issues that customers frequently encounter while using Windows Update. Improved search and filtering capabilities make it easier for you to find and use troubleshooting topics. This makes it easier for you to solve problems immediately, on your own.

Better error messages. In an ideal world, you'd never see an error message. But when errors occur, Windows Update automatically searches existing help and support content to provide you with information about the error. Better yet, if a potential solution for the problem already exists, you see it in the error message—without searching for troubleshooting or help.

Got questions? Need help and support? If you have questions about updates, Automatic Updates, the Windows Update Web site, and how it all works, you can find answers to frequently asked questions right on the Web site. You can also try one of the help and support options, including worldwide support, available for all Windows Update users.