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Where do I get Microsoft Word Updates?

Celeste Stewart Like Microsoft Windows, the Office programs such as Word are occasionally updated to patch up known vulnerabilities, solve problems, and add new features. Keeping your products updated with the latest updates ensures that your programs have the latest security and application improvements. In addition, Word updates can further enhance your application with converters for new file extensions and compatibility with other document types.

You can check for Word updates in several ways. If you have Word 2007, one of the easiest ways is to go to the Office button and select Word Options. Click on Resources and then select Get Updates. This will open Windows Update and direct you to the Windows Update website.

If you don’t have Windows Update enabled on your computer, you can go into the Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Windows Update (or Control Panel >Performance and Maintenance > Windows Update depending on your operating system). Once launched, enable the update settings and make sure to select the box down at the bottom to include updates for all Microsoft products.

Another option for obtaining Word updates is to go directly to the Microsoft Office Web site and click on the “Check for Updates” link. Here you’ll find a variety of related downloads for Word 2007, Word 2003, Word XP, and Word 2000 as well as any of the Office applications.

When at the Microsoft Office Web site, take a look at some of the other downloads available in addition to the Word updates. For example, you’ll find a variety of downloads including add-ons, updates, audio files, publications, viewers, and demos.

What types of updates are available for Word? It depends on which version you are currently using. For example, as of this writing, two updates have been released for Word 2007. The first one repairs conversion issues when the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack is installed for working with earlier Word documents. The second one resolves a vulnerability that allows arbitrary code to run when maliciously modified files are opened. Older versions of Word have far more updates as they have been around much longer. For example, currently, Word 2000 has about twenty updates available.
Because each version of Word has its own updates, you must make sure to download the proper update for your version of Word.

In addition to being able to download Word and Office updates from Microsoft, you can also order updates on CD. You will need to pay a small fee for the CD (usually around $3) and shipping which varies depending on where you live.

Keeping your computer’s operating system, software, and device drivers updated is vital to your computer’s overall security and performance. It doesn’t take long to set up Windows Update to do this for you automatically nor does it take long to check for updates manually from time to time.