Microsoft Update is a new service that is very similar to Windows Update. It provides all the same features of Windows Update with the major difference being that it provides updates for other products such as Office. The obvious benefit of Microsoft Update over that of Windows Update is that you do not need to search for and download updates for Windows and other Microsoft applications installed on your computer. Instead you can get all the updates for all the products from one location.

The Microsoft Update service is not installed by default. You can install the service in Windows XP by completing the steps that are described below.

1. Go here.

2. Click the Start Now button.
3. Click Continue after reading the licensing agreement.
4. If necessary, follow the on-screen instructions to install the ActiveX control.
5. Click the Install button when the Security Warning dialog box.

Once the installation is complete, a Microsoft Update option will be added to the Start Menu. The new service also works with the Automatic Updates settings configured through the System Properties dialog box.