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Windows - How to use Windows Update to automatically update Windows

This document explains how to keep your computer up-to-date automatically with the latest updates and enhancements by configuring the Windows Update utility to automatically update Windows.

Once Windows Update has been configured:

• You no longer have to search for critical updates and information; Windows delivers them directly to your computer.
• Windows recognizes when you are online and uses your Internet connection to search for downloads from the Windows Update Web site.
• An icon appears in the notification area each time new updates are available.
• You can specify how and when you want Windows to update your computer. For example, you can set up Windows to automatically download and install updates on a schedule you specify, or you can choose to have Windows notify you whenever it finds updates available for your computer; it will then download the updates in the background, allowing you to continue working uninterrupted.
• After the download is complete, an icon appears in the notification area with a message that the updates are ready to be installed. When you click the icon or message, you can install the new updates in a few simple steps.

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• If you choose not to install a specific update that has been downloaded, Windows deletes those files from your computer.
• If you change your mind later, you can download it again by:
  1. From the Control Panel Open System
  2. Opening the Automatic Updates tab
  3. Clicking Declined Updates.
  4. If any of the updates you previously declined still apply to your computer, they will appear the next time Windows notifies you of available updates.

To turn ON automatic updates

1. Open Automatic Updates in the Control Panel.
2. Select the option, Automatic (recommended).

To turn OFF automatic updates

1. Open Automatic Updates in the Control Panel.
2. Select the option, Turn off Automatic Updates.

Notes:

1. To modify Automatic Updates settings, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
2. Windows might prompt you to restart your computer after certain components are installed. Please restart your computer when prompted; otherwise, your computer might not work properly.
3. You can always install specific updates from the Windows Update Web site: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.