Configure and Run Windows Automatic Updates

Introduction

With the multitude of viruses and security risks available through the Internet, it is absolutely crucial to keep your computer up-to-date on Microsoft security patches as well as have an antivirus application installed and up-to-date. These critical updates and antivirus are vital to the security of not only your computer, but also the entire network.

To help take much of this burden off of you, Microsoft Windows can keep your computer up-to-date automatically with the latest security patches. You do not have to search for these critical updates and information; Windows can deliver them directly to your computer through the Automatic Updates utility. Once the Automatic Updates utility has been installed and configured on your computer, it is necessary that you select to install the updates immediately upon notification from this component.

This document provides the steps necessary to configure and run Automatic Updates on Windows XP and Windows Vista/Windows 7 computers. As the initial steps differ between these operating systems, a separate section has been created for each.

NOTE: By default (unless you requested otherwise), UW campus computers that belong to the UWYO domain are automatically enrolled in Software Update Services (SUS), and this document will not apply to these systems. SUS works much like Automatic Updates, but it is set and controlled centrally by IT. See the Software Update Services FAQ (www.uwyo.edu/askit/displaydoc.asp?askitdocid=487&parentid=1) for further information on how to keep your UWYO domain computer updated via this service.

Procedure

NOTE: You must be an administrator of the computer to change Automatic Updates settings and to install updates. Contact your IT user consultant (http://www.uwyo.edu/infotech/services/helpdesk/uc/) for help with setting administrative privileges.

Windows XP

1. Configuring Automatic Updates Settings in Windows XP

   1. Click the Start menu button, right-click My Computer, and click Properties.
       
   2. In the System Properties window, select the Automatic Updates tab.
       
   3. Under the Automatic Updates tab, verify that Automatic (recommended) is selected.
       
   4. Select the time that you would like for the installation to take place, and click OK.
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2. Updating Your Computer with Automatic Updates in Windows XP

   1. Now, when Microsoft releases a Critical Update that is necessary to protect the security of your computer, the Automatic Updates utility will automatically install the updates at the time that you specified. You will then be prompted to restart your computer if necessary.
       
   2. If your computer is not turned on during this time, the next time that you turn on your computer the Automatic Updates icon will appear in the toolbar beside your clock, and a popup message will let you know that there are Critical Updates available for your computer.
       
   3. Click the Automatic Updates icon, and click Install.
       
   4. When the updates have installed, if a reboot is required you will be prompted to save your work. Do so, then click OK to restart your computer.

Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Configuring Automatic Updates Settings in Windows Vista/Windows 7

   1. Click the Start menu button, right-click Computer, and click Properties.
       
   2. In the System window that opens, select the Windows Update.
       
   3. Click Change Settings.
       
   4. Under the Automatic Updates tab, verify that Install updates automatic (recommended) is selected.
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   5. Select the frequency and time at which to install updates, and click OK.
       

2. Updating Your Computer with Automatic Updates in Windows Vista/Windows 7

   1. Now, when Microsoft releases a Critical Update that is necessary to protect the security of your computer, the Automatic Updates utility will automatically install the updates at the time that you specified. You will then be prompted to restart your computer if necessary.
       
   2. If your computer is not turned on during this time, the next time that you turn on your computer, the Automatic Updates icon will appear in the toolbar beside your clock, and a popup message will let you know that there are Critical Updates available for your computer.
       
   3. Click the Automatic Updates icon, and click Install.
       
   4. When the updates have installed, you will be prompted to save your work if a reboot is required. Do so, and then click OK to restart your computer.

Reviewed: 1111 By: AH