How Do I Update My Browser in Windows?

A Web browser that isn't kept updated can be a potential security risk for your computer.

When a virus infects a computer, activities that have taken place in the Web browser are often the culprit. Hackers put a great deal of effort into finding vulnerabilities in Web browsers, and for this reason software companies must be vigilant in keeping their software updated to protect their users. If you have not checked for a browser update in a long time, the security of your computer may be at risk. Update your browser to maximize your protection from viruses and other malicious software.

Instructions

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer and browse to "windowsupdate.microsoft.com" if you are running Windows XP or older. If you are running Windows Vista or newer, click the Start button then type "update" in the search bar at the bottom of the Start menu. Click "Windows Update" when it appears on the list of results. Because Internet Explorer is a part of Windows, it is updated in the same way as the rest of the operating system. Although downloading all important updates available for your computer is recommended, it is not required.

2. Click "Express" in Windows XP or older to automatically download all important updates. In Windows Vista and 7, click "Check for Updates."

3. Select the updates that you want to install, then follow the prompts on the screen. Depending on how many updates are available for your computer, you may need to restart the computer and return to the Windows Update utility or website several times during this process.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the "Help" menu at the top of the screen, then click "Check for Updates." If an update is available, a new window will appear with a brief summary of the features available in the new version.

2. Click "Get the New Version." If any Firefox add-ons that are installed are incompatible with the new version of Firefox, a window will explain which add-ons might not carry over properly. However, Firefox checks for updates for your add-ons after the browser itself is updated.

3. Click "OK" on the incompatibility screen after confirming the you understand some of your add-ons may be incompatible with the new Firefox version. After a few moments, the update will be downloaded and installed.

4. Click "Restart Firefox" to finish installing the update.

Google Chrome

1. Click the wrench-shaped icon in the upper-right corner of the window, then click "About Google Chrome."

2. Click the "Update" button to download an updated version of the browser. Note that if you see the message "Google Chrome is up to date," you do not need to update manually as the automatic upgrade feature of Google Chrome was successful.

3. Close the window when the process is complete.

References

• Google Support Website: Update Google Chrome
• Mozilla Support Website: Updating Firefox
• Microsoft Security Website: Microsoft Update Overview