Tip: Windows Update vs. Microsoft Update

Do not confuse Windows Update with Microsoft Update.

If you only run Windows Update you will only get updates for the basic operating system. With Microsoft Update you get updates for important applications such as SQL Server, Exchange and Office products such as Outlook.

When you run Windows Update you will notice to the right of the Welcome sign the News section. Under the News is the link to upgrade to Microsoft Updates, follow the link and install the upgrade.

Express vs. Custom

The express button only installs high priority updates remember to select Custom from time to time and get all the less urgent updates that may be required by you system.

Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)

I have recently run Microsoft Update on my SBS 2003 Server that runs WSUS and found a few updates that WSUS was not installing. Either WSUS does not installing everything or is broken … either way I have some investigating to do … proves that you should never be complacent about updates.

Further Information:

Microsoft Update: Upgrade to Microsoft Updates