Microsoft Download Center: FAQ

The Microsoft Download Center has recently been revised to better serve you as a one-stop shop for products available for purchase, in addition to products and downloads available for free. For your convenience, items available for purchase are linked directly to Microsoft Store. Items available as free downloads are linked to details pages, where you can learn more about them and initiate downloads.

If you would like Microsoft to scan your computer and recommend updates, please see the preceding question. If you would like to search for specific downloads, start by using one of these methods.

• To find products and downloads, in the navigation bar that appears across the center of the Download Center home page, click an icon.
• To search more specifically for a product or download, on the menu bar displayed near the top of the page, click a menu name and then click a product or download.
• To search by keyword, at the top of the page, in the Search Download Center search box, type the word or words you wish to search for.

On the Search results page, you may see the following:

• An Editor's choice listing of products and downloads, which are recommendations based on the search term.
• A Sort by box on the right side of the page. Click the down arrow, and select a display order for the search results.
• A list of Filter options on the left side of the page. Click a Filter option to narrow the list of items displayed in the search results. The Filter option operates together with the original search term to narrow the scope of search results.

When you see the item you’re interested in, click the item link to find out more about downloading or purchasing it.

In this section, you will find links to other Microsoft websites that offer downloads. Note that almost all of the downloads available from these websites can also be found in the Microsoft Download Center; however, the other Microsoft sites may offer services and information that you may not find in the Download Center.

If you are looking for downloads for the Windows operating system or for Microsoft Office, try using Windows Update , which helps you keep your computer up to date without requiring you to visit the Download Center.

• DirectX downloads

  Get the latest version of Microsoft DirectX, and find other important DirectX updates for your version of Windows.

• Windows Internet Explorer downloads

  Find critical updates, recommended releases, and other system updates for Internet Explorer.

• Office for Mac downloads

  Get more out of Microsoft software for the Macintosh with updates and utility downloads.

• Microsoft Games trial versions

  If you would like to try some Microsoft games, start with a visit to this site, where many games are available to be downloaded as trial versions.

• Microsoft Hardware downloads

  To make sure you are taking advantage of the full functionality of your Microsoft products, get the latest software updates from Microsoft Hardware.

• Mobile-device downloads

  Get add-ins, updates, and more downloads to help you get the most from your mobile phone, handheld PC, or Pocket PC. You will also find mobile-device downloads for developers.

• MSDN Developer downloads

  Choose from a broad range of developer-related tools and add-ins, service packs, product updates, and beta and preview releases.

• MSDN Subscriber downloads

  If you are an active MSDN Universal and Professional subscriber or a current Microsoft Certified Partner (MCP), get access to the latest MSDN Subscription software.

• Office Downloads Marketplace

  Find a wide array of downloads, critical updates, and viewers for Microsoft Office.

• Service Packs for Microsoft Products

  Download service packs containing updates for system reliability, program compatibility, and security. See which service packs are currently available from Microsoft Help and Support.

• TechNet downloads for IT Professionals

  Find hotfixes, security bulletins and updates, and more downloads. This is the central repository of Microsoft download resources for IT professionals.

• Windows Media Download Center

  Amplify your play with Microsoft Windows Media Player, encoders, codecs, and other related downloads.

When you click a download item in the Download Center, you will be directed to the download details page for that download. Most of these pages follow a standard format and include most of the sections described here.

• Quick details

  The Quick details section contains helpful summary information, including the name and size of the download file and its date of publication.

• Change language

  In some cases, you'll see a Change language box, from which you can select a language other than English. Note that some downloads are not available in all languages. In addition, not all non-English downloads are accompanied by localized details pages. As a result, you may find English descriptions and instructions on pages for non-English downloads.

• Download button or link

  For each file listed, you will see a Download button or link in the Quick details section. Click this button or link to begin the download.

• Overview

  The Overview section includes a brief explanation of the issues addressed by the download and the benefits it provides.

• System requirements

  Always check the System requirements section to make sure your computer is compatible with and has the space required to install and run the download. This section may also list required or recommended application software.

• Instructions

  Review the Instructions section before clicking the Download button, so you are prepared for any steps you may need to follow.

• What others are downloading

  This lists other items downloaded by people who also downloaded the current item. Information about these related downloads can be very helpful.

• Additional information

  This provides further information that is either directly related to the current download or is meant to help keep your system running securely, such as security update information.

• Related resources

  These links take you to how-to information, newsgroups, special offers, and other resources pertinent to the download you have selected.

You can sign up to receive a customized email newsletter notifying you of new downloads, featured downloads, and services such as Windows Update

1. Go to the Download Notifications page.
2. Click Sign Up Today and follow the instructions.

• Clear Cache

  If you cannot complete a download, you may need to clear the cache in Windows Internet Explorer, as described in the following steps. Note that this procedure will vary slightly, depending on the version of Internet Explorer you have installed

  1. On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options , and then click the General tab.
  2. In the Browsing history section, click Delete .
  3. In the Delete Browsing History dialog box, in the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete files and then click Yes if you would like to empty your entire cache of temporary Internet files.
  4. In the Delete Browsing History dialog box, in the History section, click Delete history . When you are asked if you would like to delete the history of websites you have visited, click Yes . When you are done, click Close .
  5. In the General tab, in the Browsing history section, click Settings . In the Settings dialog box, select Every time I visit the webpage . Then set the disk space to use for the Temporary Internet Files folder to a size larger than your intended download. Next, click the View Files button.
  6. In the Temporary Internet Files window that opens, open the Edit menu and click Select All . Press Delete . When you are asked if you would like to delete all the cookies you have selected, click Yes . Click the OK buttons until you return to the General tab, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
• Disable Automatic Termination

  Another possible reason for not being able to complete a download is that your Internet service provider (ISP) may be automatically terminating your Internet connection after it has been idle for a specific number of minutes. Contact your ISP to disable the automatic termination of your connection when downloading files.