How to Backup Windows Update Files
By Dustin Lamb
Backing up Windows Update files will save you time when you need to install the same updates on multiple computers or when you reinstall Windows on a computer. Downloading an update once is faster, as it eliminates additional download times. If you reinstall Windows on a computer because of reasons such as hardware failure, the updates will need to be reinstalled as well. Download updates from the Microsoft Download Center website and back them up to media such as an external hard drive for this purpose.
Step 1
Click "Start," "All programs" and "Internet Explorer." Go to the Microsoft Download Center website (see Resources).
Step 2
Enter the update number in the search box and click "Download" when it is found. Find an update number for an update already installed on your computer by clicking "Start," "Control panel," "Programs" and "View installed updates."
Step 3
Save the update installation file to your computer. Connect an external hard drive to your computer to back up to this drive.
Step 4
Right-click the update file and select "Copy." Open the external hard drive by clicking "Start," "Computer" and double-clicking the name of the drive. Right-click on the drive and click "Paste."
Step 5
Copy the update file to a CD or DVD by following the same steps as for the external hard drive, but insert a recordable CD/DVD into the disc drive first. Right-click the name of the drive and click "Burn to disc" to complete the process.
Writer Bio
Dustin Lamb contributes to various online publications, specializing in computers and technology. Lamb has a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Cleary University and also works as a technology consultant.