Get Official Outlook Updates
Just because Microsoft Outlook has been around for a while, that doesn’t mean Microsoft is finished updating it. Truth be told, there’s a continual stream of Outlook updates coming out of Microsoft. One thing Microsoft has been good about is continuing to make changes to supported versions of Outlook to fix bugs and protect you against the latest email marketing scams and other junk mail. The only problem with this is that you need to keep installing the updates that come out if you want to get their benefits. Keep reading to see how to check for and install updates, as well as find links to more extensive resources online.
Microsoft has put a lot of time and effort into making the update process as painless as possible. Unfortunately, it can still be confusing. In principle, the process is simple. You start by checking for updates, then downloading and installing (any of the updates you want) them if any are available. Right here is one place where people get confused.
You don’t have to install all the updates Microsoft offers you. One example would be updates for languages you don’t speak. It’s tempting to not install those. However, you are probably better off to just install any updates Microsoft offers you. It simplifies your life by saving you from having to evaluate each update that comes along and decide whether you want it or not.
I recommend that you check for updates about once a week. Patches normally come out only once a month, but if there is an emergency release, you won’t want to be without it for long. It only takes a moment to do if there aren’t updates available. If there are updates available, you want to get them installed as soon as possible. Setting up a recurring task to remind you to check is the best way to do this.
NOTE: Some companies have a policy about doing software updates that conflicts with the advice here. If your company does have such a policy, you should always follow company guidelines instead of general suggestions like these.
While incorporating ongoing Microsoft Outlook updates may be a pain in the neck, over time you will be rewarded with a better-running copy of Outlook and less spam mail than you would have to deal with if you didn’t install the updates. The reduced amount of spam mail alone makes keeping Outlook updated a net time saver.
Here’s an outline of the steps you need to follow to check for and install Outlook updates:
- Go to the Microsoft Office Downloads home page.
- Click the link that lets Microsoft figure out what updates you need.
- Select the updates you want to install and download them.
- Install the updates.
For step-by-step instructions on updating Microsoft Outlook, go to:
http://www.living-with-outlook.com/microsoft-outlook-updates.html