Get security updates for Windows

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista. Which edition of Windows Vista am I using?

Security updates for Windows can help protect against new and ongoing threats to your privacy and your computer. The best way to get security updates is to turn on Windows automatic updating and stay informed about security issues.

Turn on Windows automatic updating

When you turn on automatic updating, Windows can automatically install important updates (including security updates) and recommended updates for your computer as Microsoft releases them. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off and How can I tell if my computer is up to date?

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Stay informed about the latest security issues

To learn about new security updates, find how-to articles and security tips, and get answers to security-related questions, go to the Microsoft Security at Home website for the free, monthly Security Newsletter for Home Users from Microsoft.

To learn how Microsoft monitors and responds to security issues, go to the Microsoft Security Response Center website. It offers tools such as an alert service, monthly webcast, blog, and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds to help you stay current with security-related updates and information for Windows.

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See also

• Understanding Windows automatic updating
• Updates: frequently asked questions
• Keep Windows Defender definitions up to date
• Keeping computers on a network up to date