Security updates are released once a month on the website, except in special circumstances; for instance, in the event of a widespread computer virus or worm, Microsoft releases a corresponding update as soon as possible.

Before using the catalog, the user must install an ActiveX control so that they can search the updates available on the website.

On the Microsoft Update Catalog, downloads are accelerated with Microsoft's Background Intelligent Transfer Service, which downloads updates from the website asynchronously while attempting to use as little bandwidth as possible.

[4] In addition, the service integrates with Windows Server Update Services and System Center Configuration Manager 2007 so that network administrators can deploy updates downloaded from the website remotely across a network.

[9] The website no longer requires an ActiveX control and can be used from any modern browser rather than being exclusive to Internet Explorer.