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.

• 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 Center

  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 dialog 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.

Microsoft is committed to providing its customers with software that has been tested for safety and security. Although no system is completely secure, we use processes, technology, and several specially focused teams to investigate, fix, and learn from security issues to help us meet this goal and to provide guidance to customers on how to help protect their PCs.

As part of the Microsoft software release process, all software released to the Download Center is scanned for malware before it is made available for public download. Additionally, after release, the software available from the Download Center is routinely scanned for malware. Microsoft recognizes that the threat environment is constantly changing and will continue to evolve over time, and we are committed to process improvements that will help protect our customers from malware threats