Restore Access to Microsoft Update v6 (Vista)
Article published: 05/12/2024

Summary
Microsoft Update v6 also existed for Windows Vista to 8.1. This would enable the Microsoft Update service on your system.
You can restore access to the Microsoft Update v6 (Vista) website by getting it to work on your system by following the instructions below.

Notes
 The following instructions apply to only Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 all in x86 & x64.

Disclaimer
 Warning: We are not responsible for anything that goes wrong to your system if an event like that were to occur. Please proceed at your own risk.

Instructions
Follow the instructions below help you restore access to the Microsoft Update v6 website.
 We also have a video tutorial on how to get Microsoft Update working from Windows Vista through Windows 8.1.
 

  1. (For Windows Vista through Windows 8.1 users) You need to have the Automatic Updates service working first, otherwise this method will not work. A YouTube playlist explains how to get Automatic Updates working on legacy Windows versions.

  2. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Internet Options > Security

  3. Click "Trusted Sites", and set the slider all the way to High.

  4. Click on the "Sites" button.

  5. Uncheck "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone".

  6.  Add the following URLS to the zone:

  7. Once you've added the new URLS, click on the "OK" button.

  8. Now you can close out of the Internet Properties window and the Control Panel.

  9. Open Internet Explorer.

  10. Click on Tools > Compatibility View Settings

  11. Underneath "Add this website:" type "microsoft.com"

  12. Click on the "Add" button.

  13. Click on the "Close" button.

  14. In Internet Explorer, go to http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/vistadefault.aspx

  15. You should now be on the newer version of the Microsoft Update website. Check "I agree to the Terms of Use for Microsoft Update."

  16. Then click on the "Next" button.

  17. You can choose either "Use recommended settings" or "Use current settings" and then click on the "Install" button.

  18. After some time, you might get a User Account Control popup, if you do, click "Yes".

  19. Windows Update in the Control Panel should automatically open after and beside "You receive updates:" It should now say "For Windows and other products from Microsoft Update".

  20. Now you can check for updates, download updates, and install updates for Microsoft related software installed on your PC like Microsoft Office, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Microsoft Security Essentials!

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