Welcome to Windows Update Restored!

This project is focused on restoring the update functionality for Windows 95 through Windows XP, including the essential Automatic Updates feature. Our aim is to bring back the convenience and experience these websites offered just like they were back in the day. We understand the importance of ongoing support for legacy systems and are committed to enhancing this project over time. For the latest updates, be sure to check the news section at the bottom of this page.

In August 2011, Microsoft shut down the Windows Update websites for several older operating systems, including Windows 95, NT4, 98, Me, and 2000 (Service Pack 2 and below). This closure cut off access to critical updates, security patches, and vital software needed for maintaining system security. Windows Update Restored aims to revive those classic websites, allowing you to relive the update experience as it once was.

The original Windows Update sites provided a wide range of updates, including security updates, optional software updates, driver updates, and other essential tools to enhance system performance and stability. We have successfully revived these features, ensuring access to everything from the Critical Update Notification Tool to Automatic Updates for Windows 98 through XP. If you have questions about Windows Update Restored, please check our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

For the best experience, we recommend viewing the sites at a resolution of 800x600 pixels, which is optimal for the classic interfaces of older Windows operating systems. Additionally, our site requires a minimum of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 for proper display; however, we strongly suggest using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for optimal functionality. You can find various versions of Internet Explorer on the Internet Explorer Downloads page.

Please note that every Windows Update website requires Internet Explorer (versions 4.0 to 6.0) to function properly. These sites will not work correctly in other browsers, so be sure to use the right version for the best results. We’re excited to help you experience the classic Windows updating experience and provide the tools needed to keep these vital systems up to date! Your interest and support are greatly appreciated!


Where Do You Want to Go Today?
ArrowWindows Update V2

Feeling like using the earliest available version of the Windows Update website? Then try Windows Update Restored v2!
Compatible with Windows 95, NT 4.0, 98 First Edition
(All require Internet Explorer 4.0)!

ArrowWindows Update V3.1

Want to go classic and experience Windows Update like it's 1999? Then try Windows Update Restored v3.1!
Compatible with Windows 95, NT 4.0, 98 First Edition & Second Edition, Millennium Edition, and 2000
(SP2 and below)!

ArrowWindows Update V4

Want to relive the early 2000s Windows Update experience with the look and feel of Windows XP? Then try Windows Update Restored v4!
Compatible with Windows 98 First & Second Edition, Millennium Edition, 2000, XP (SP2 x86 & x64 and below), and Server 2003
(SP1 x86 & x64 and below)!

ArrowWindows Update V5

Didn't get the chance to try Windows Update V5 back in 2004? Now you can with Windows Update Restored v5!
Compatible with Windows 2000 (SP3+), XP, and Server 2003 (x86 and x64 included)!
Warning! System modifications are required for Windows Update Restored v5 to work on your system. Visit our prerequisites page for more info.

Running Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11? Try our sister project Legacy Update instead.



Screenshots Gallery

Screenshot of Windows Update Restored v2 running in Internet Explorer 4 on Windows 98 First Edition.     Screenshot of Windows Update Restored v3 running in Internet Explorer 6 on Windows 2000.     Screenshot of Windows Update Restored v4 running in Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP.     Screenshot of Windows Update Restored v5 running in Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP.

Community Links
ArrowMSFN Forum

Want to visit the forum where Windows Update Restored began? Check out our MSFN Forum!
Check out our MSFN Forum with the link above.

ArrowDiscord Server

Want to view what's new with Windows Update Restored and or get live assistance from the Windows Update Restored Team? Join our Discord Server!
Join our Discord server with the link above.



Disclaimer

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. This software is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind. We don't believe anything should go wrong, but please ensure you have backups of any important data anyway. The Windows Update websites offered here are unofficial. This project is for archival purposes only. Read the legal information page to learn more.
 

The use of Windows Update Restored doesn't mean that you should keep using older unsupported versions of Windows. Getting security updates for those old operating systems may not protect you in today's online world and against modern viruses. There are plenty of security holes in these operating systems and there's a reason why Microsoft took down the Windows Update websites for them. You should use a modern supported operating system like Windows 10, Windows 11, or even a Linux distribution. For further information, read the Frequently Asked Questions.



Windows Update Restored Team


Credits: @WULover, @WinFX, @TecAdam, @ByQuadCore (pause), @maile3241, @EZUser, @dtm22, @milleniumtech_it, @Lewis the dog, @gmkid, @ward201185 (inactive), @WInUpdateFanv3, @Dusan Vicic, @Ryujin, @theonegoofali

Other credits: Daniel Mysilvets (Windows Update Restored logo designer - v3.1 style), Signé JARB (Provided us with some Windows Service Packs)

All of this wouldn't be possible without the Internet Archive, which preserved those old files, websites, and information that would otherwise be lost forever.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards this amazing project on MSFN, Discord, and more! Thank you for all the time spent getting each and every bit of this to work!


Windows Update Restored News!
Warning Icon Windows Update Restored and Legacy Update are merging!

That's one of the best news for Windows Update Restored. We're merging with Legacy Update! This does not mean the websites you love will be discontinued or moved from this domain. The "merge" (as we call it) is in fact a deep collaboration between both projects. Learn more on the Merge page.

Warning Icon New update for the Prerequisites Installer!

The Update 1.4 fixes a bunch of bugs found in the previous versions of the Prerequisites Installer. It mainly fixes the software crashing on first launch, the Legacy Update option not working and the Windows Update Agent not being installed. We fixed lots of other bugs as well, including the OS and architecture detection, which means that the Prerequisites Installer will be able to work on other XP-based systems, such as Windows Home Server! Learn more on the Prerequisites Installer download page.

Warning Icon New updates have been added to Windows Update Restored V4!

We have added new updates to Windows Update Restored V4 (Windows 98, Windows Me & Windows 2000) in English, and they will soon be added in multi-language. It is normal if they do not appear on other languages than English for now. If you think you have the files for the language you want, please let us know on our Discord server or through email.