The Windows Update site, and the newer Microsoft Update site, are designed to work only with Internet Explorer. The update sites depend on an ActiveX control which scans your computer to determine which updates are missing. Firefox does not run ActiveX controls.

This article describes other options for updating Windows.

Table Of Contents

• Using automatic updates
• Updating manually
• Using Internet Explorer
• Using the IE View extension
• Using the IE Tab extension

Using automatic updates

Windows XP and Windows Vista include the ability to locate, download, and install Windows updates without having to browse to Microsoft's web site. You can choose to have updates downloaded when they are available and either installed automatically, or held for your review. The Windows help system can guide you in choosing among the options. If you need additional assistance in setting up Automatic Updates, read these instructions on Microsoft's web site.

Updating manually

Even with automatic updates enabled, you might want to visit Microsoft Update online from time to time for optional updates (for example, new versions of Windows Media Player). There are three ways to access the update site.

Using Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer 6 and 7 have an option to visit the update site using Tools > Windows Update. Alternately, you can type update.microsoft.com in the address bar and press Enter. (As with any download, it is a good practice to confirm that you are at the genuine Microsoft site before allowing any software to be installed.)

Using the IE View extension

The IE View extension saves you time by opening selected sites in Internet Explorer when you try to access them in Firefox. By adding update.microsoft.com to the list of sites IE View will open in Internet Explorer, you will not need to remember to start Internet Explorer to get your updates.

You can install IE View here.

Using the IE Tab extension

The IE Tab extension saves you time by opening selected sites in Internet Explorer right inside Firefox. Unlike IE View, which uses the Internet Explorer application, IE Tab embeds Internet Explorer components in a Firefox tab. You might find this more convenient than using Internet Explorer's own interface, but some users find it confusing that not all of Firefox's features work the same way with pages loaded in an IE Tab.

You can install IE Tab here. Firefox 2 users will need to click the "Complete Version History" link and install Version 1.3.3.20070528, dated May 28, 2007.

Based on information from Windows Update (mozillaZine KB)