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 Centre; however, the other Microsoft sites may offer services and information that you may not find in the Download Centre.

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 Centre.

• DirectX downloads

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

• 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.

• Windows Media Download Centre

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

• Azure downloads

  Get SDKs and tools for managing and interacting with Azure services

• Windows developer resources

  Get downloads and tools for Windows development

• Code samples

  Get started with Microsoft developer tools and technologies. Explore our samples and discover the things you can build.

Before you can use any software that you download, you must install it. For example, if you download a security update but do not install it, the update will not provide any protection for your computer. Follow these steps to save and install a download:

1. On the download details page, click the Download button.
2. A dialogue box will open. Click the Save button.
3. You will be prompted to select a location for the download on your computer. Select an appropriate location, and click the Save button.
4. When the file has finished downloading, you will see a second dialogue box. If you want to install the file immediately, click the Open button. This launches an installation wizard.
5. If you do not want to immediately install the file, click the Close button. When you are ready to install the file, double-click the file to launch the installation wizard.

Note: When you save a download file, make sure to save it to a location that you will remember when you are ready to install the download. We suggest creating a special folder on your desktop to which you always save downloads. Follow these steps to create such a downloads folder:

1. Right-click an unused area of your desktop.
2. Point to New, and then click Folder.
3. Give the folder a name, such as My Downloads.

The Microsoft Download Centre 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 centre of the Download Centre 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 Centre 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.