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Automatic Updates

AUTOMATIC UPDATES OVERVIEW

With Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks for updates that can help protect your computer against the latest viruses and other security threats. These high-priority updates are available through the Windows Update Web site and include security updates, critical updates, or service packs.
When you turn on Automatic Updates, you don't have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes might be missing. Windows automatically downloads and installs them for you, using a schedule that you determine. If you prefer to download and install updates yourself, you can also set up Automatic Updates to notify you whenever any high-priority updates become available.


USING AUTOMATIC UPDATES TO HELP PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER

Why use scheduled updates to help protect your computer?

If you have not turned on Automatic Updates, your computer is more vulnerable to viruses and other security threats. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs.

Scheduled updates offer:

* Convenience
You don't have to remember to visit the Windows Update Web site or other online security sites to get updates. And you don't have to choose which updates are most important for protecting your computer—Automatic Updates looks for security updates, critical updates, and service packs, and installs them on the schedule that you set.
* Reliability
Updates are downloaded behind the scenes whenever you're connected to the Internet. The downloading process doesn't interfere with other downloads or interrupt you while you work. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, the download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet. Don't forget, however, that updates must be installed to take effect. When you schedule updates, Windows automatically installs them for you, unless you choose to be notified and then install them yourself.
* Up-to-date software
You set the schedule for Windows to install new updates. This means that Windows is routinely checking for and installing any important updates that your computer needs. Even if you choose to be notified and install updates yourself, you still learn about important updates as they are released. By scheduling updates, you can quickly and easily keep your computer up to date—without thinking about it.

How does Automatic Updates work?

When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer from the latest viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates, and service packs. Depending on the setting you choose, Windows automatically downloads and installs any high-priority updates that your computer needs, or notifies you as these updates become available.

How are updates downloaded?

When you connect to the Internet, Windows sends data to the Windows Update Web site about the way your computer is set up so the service can determine which updates your computer needs. Windows does not use your name, address, e-mail address, or any information that can be used to identify you or contact you. For details, see the Windows Update privacy statement.
It makes no difference whether you use a dial-up or broadband connection; important updates are downloaded behind the scenes and do not interfere with other downloads. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, nothing is lost. The download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet.

How are updates installed?

You do not have to be connected to the Internet for Windows to install new updates. But updates must be installed, not just downloaded, before they can help protect your computer. If you use the Automatic (recommended) setting, new updates are installed at 3 A.M. However, you can change the time or frequency of scheduled updates to best suit your needs.
If your computer is turned off during a scheduled update, updates are installed the next time you start your computer. You can also choose to have Windows notify you when new updates are available, and then install them yourself.
You might be asked to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) before certain updates can be installed. Other updates might require you to restart your computer before the installation process can be completed. If you are an administrator for your computer, you can delay the restart. Otherwise, Windows notifies you and then restarts your computer for you so the updates can begin to help protect your computer. It is always a good idea to save your work frequently, and to remind other users of your computer to save their work, especially before scheduled installation times.

Note
* Installing updates before you shut down your computer is another way to keep your computer up to date and more secure. This option is available only in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and only if important updates have been downloaded but not yet installed. Do not turn off or unplug your computer while updates are installing. Windows will automatically turn off your computer after the updates are installed.

OPTIONS FOR SETTING UP AUTOMATIC UPDATES ON YOUR COMPUTER

To choose when and how updates will be delivered to your computer, you have four options:

Automatic (Recommended)

When you are connected to the Internet, Windows finds and downloads updates in the background—you are not notified or interrupted during this process and the updates do not interfere with other downloads. If you do not change the default schedule, updates that have been downloaded to your computer will be installed at 3 A.M.
If your computer is turned off during a scheduled update, Windows will install the updates the next time you start your computer. If you need to help complete the installation process, Windows will notify you. For example, you might need to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) before some updates can be installed. If you need to restart your computer for an update to take effect, Windows will notify you and will restart your computer at the scheduled time.

Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them

To receive alerts, you must be a member of the Administrators group for your computer. When you are connected to the Internet, Windows finds and downloads updates in the background—you are not notified or interrupted during this process and the updates do not interfere with other downloads.
After downloading is complete, the Windows Update icon appears in the notification area and an alert pops up, letting you know that the updates are ready to be installed. To review and install available updates, click the icon or the alert. You can install all or some of the available updates.

Notify me but don't automatically download or install updates

To manually download and install updates, you must be a member of the Administrators group for your computer. Windows checks for important updates and notifies you if any are available; updates are not delivered or installed on your computer until you choose to do so. When Windows finds updates for your computer, the Windows Update icon appears in the notification area and an alert pops up, letting you know that updates are ready to be downloaded. After you click the icon or the alert, you can select some or all of the updates to download.
Windows downloads the updates in the background, you are not notified or interrupted during this process and the updates do not interfere with other downloads. When downloading is complete, the Windows Update icon appears in the notification area again, this time to let you know that the updates are ready to be installed. You can choose to install all or some of the available updates.

Turn off Automatic Updates (Not Recommended)

You will never be notified when important updates are available for your computer, and you will never be asked to download or install them. This means that your computer can be vulnerable to security threats and harmful viruses that can damage your computer or your files. Viruses can also spread over the Internet to other people with whom you exchange e-mail, share files, or work with on a network.
New viruses and security threats are continually developed by attackers, so helping protect your computer is an ongoing process. If you do not turn on Automatic Updates, we recommend that you regularly install updates from the Windows Update Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/).

Notes
* To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System. * Installing updates before you shut down your computer is another way to keep your computer up to date and more secure. This option is available only in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and only if important updates have been downloaded but not yet installed. Do not turn off or unplug your computer while updates are installing. Windows will automatically turn off your computer after the updates are installed. * Only users with administrator privileges may add or remove programs, including Windows updates. It is strongly recommended that you log out of the computer administrator account when you are not performing tasks that require administrator privileges. If you are logged on as an administrator when your computer is the target of a virus or malicious user, the attack can cause extensive damage. For example, it might be able to reformat your hard drive, delete all your files, or create a new administrator account so the attacker can take over your computer. For more information about user accounts and why you should not run your computer as an administrator, see Help and Support.


TO CHANGE HOW UPDATES ARE DOWNLOADED AND INSTALLED

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
1. Open System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab. or If you are running Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates.
2. Select a setting, and then click Apply.
Notes * To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
* Only users with administrator privileges may add or remove programs, including Windows updates. It is strongly recommended that you log out of the computer administrator account when you are not performing tasks that require administrator privileges. If you are logged on as an administrator when your computer is the target of a virus or malicious user, the attack can cause extensive damage. For example, it might be able to reformat your hard drive, delete all your files, or create a new administrator account so the attacker can take over your computer.


TO CHECK IF THERE ARE NEW UPDATES FOR YOUR COMPUTER


If you turned on Automatic Updates, Windows automatically checks for important updates for your computer. These updates can include critical updates, security updates, and service packs. Windows notifies you about (or automatically installs) important updates, based on your Automatic Updates settings.
It is also a good idea to routinely check the Windows Update Web site to see if other types of updates, such as driver updates, are available. You must be logged on as a computer administrator to complete this procedure. You must also be connected to the Internet.

1. Go to the Windows Update Web site(Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, click Windows Update). 2. Click Express Install or custom install

If updates are found, we recommend that you first install all high-priority updates, and then install all other updates such as software and hardware updates.
Notes
* Some updates require you to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) before you can install them. If you decline, these updates are not installed. If you change your mind, you can install them later by visiting the Windows Update Web site(http://www.microsoft.com/).
* Some updates require you to restart your computer before the updates can take effect. Windows will notify any user who is logged on to the computer before restarting; however, only members of the local Administrators group can delay the restart. Make sure you save your work before restarting your computer and remind other users to save their work, especially before scheduled installation times.


TO STOP WINDOWS FROM NOTIFYING YOU ABOUT UPDATES THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY DECIDED NOT TO DOWNLOAD OR INSTALL (HIDE UPDATES

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure. You must also be connected to the Internet.
1. When the Windows Update icon appears in the notification area, or when you are notified that updates are ready to download, click the icon.
2. Review the recommended updates. If you do not want to download an item, clear the check box next to it.
3. Click Download. (If you cleared all the check boxes, click Close.)
4. In the confirmation dialog box, select the Don't notify me about this update again check box, and then click OK.

Notes
* Hiding an update means that Windows will no longer try to download it when checking for updates that apply to your computer. If you change your mind and want to download a hidden update later, go to the Windows Update Web site(http://www.microsoft.com/), click Custom Install, and then click Restore hidden updates.


TO REVIEW AND DOWNLOAD UPDATES THAT APPLY TO YOUR COMPUTER

Based on your Automatic Updates settings, Windows can notify you when updates that apply to your computer are ready to download. You can review each update and choose whether to download it. To help protect your computer, we recommend that you download and install all updates that apply to your computer as soon as they are available.
1. When you are notified that new updates are ready to be downloaded, click the Windows Update icon that appears in the notification area.
2. By default, all updates are selected to be downloaded. If you do not want Windows to download an update, clear the check box beside it.
3. Click Download.

Notes
* If you are using the Automatic (recommended) setting, Windows automatically downloads important updates as soon as they are available. You are not notified or interrupted during the process.
* Windows Update software might automatically be updated prior to applying any other updates.


REVIEW AND INSTALL DOWNLOADED UPDATES

TO INSTALL AVAILABLE UPDATES

1. When the Windows Update icon appears in the notification area, or when you are notified that updates are ready to install, click the icon.
2. To install all available updates, click Express install (Recommended), or, to choose which downloads to install, click Custom install (Advanced). By default, all updates are selected to be installed. If you do not want Windows to download an update, clear the check box next to it.
Windows notifies you when the updates are installed. Windows will also notify you if you need to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) or restart your computer to complete the installation process. Windows will then nag the life out of you until you reboot.

Notes
* Windows might prompt you to restart your computer after installing certain updates. Please restart your computer when prompted; otherwise, your computer might not work properly (or it will drive you insane by nagging you until you comply)
. * If you are using the Automatic (recommended) setting, Windows automatically installs important updates on the schedule that you selected. You are not notified or interrupted during the process unless you need to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) or restart your computer.
* Windows Update software might automatically be updated prior to applying any other updates.


TO SCHEDULE AUTOMATIC UPDATES

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
1. Open System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab. or If you are running Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates.
2. Click Automatic (recommended).
3. Under Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them, set the time and day you want Windows to install updates, and then click Apply.

Notes
* To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
* Scheduled updates are automatically installed at the scheduled time, regardless of who is logged on to the computer. If you choose to be notified before updates can be installed, you must be logged on as an administrator to get notifications and to install updates.
* Some updates require you to restart your computer before they can take effect. Windows will notify any user who is logged on to the computer before restarting; however, only members of the local Administrators group can stop the computer from restarting. Make sure you save your work before restarting your computer and remind other users to save their work, especially before scheduled installation times.

TO HAVE WINDOWS REMIND YOU OF A PENDING UPDATE

With Automatic Updates, Windows can routinely check for the latest important updates for your computer and install them automatically. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to be notified of high-priority updates and download and install them as they become available.

TO RESTORE HIDDEN UPDATES

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
1. Open System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab. or If you are running Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates.
2. Click Restore hidden updates.
The next time you connect to the Internet, Windows will check for any high-priority updates for your computer, including updates that you previously declined. Windows will either download the updates automatically or notify you that they are available, depending on your Automatic Updates setting.
Alternately, you can restore hidden updates by visiting the Windows Update Web site.
1. Go to the Windows Update Web site(http://www.microsoft.com/).
2. Click Custom Install.
3. In the left pane, click Restore Hidden Updates, and then select the updates you want to install.
4. Click Install.

Notes
* To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
* When you restore hidden updates, Windows determines which updates still apply to your computer. If you cannot find a specific hidden update, you might have installed a more recent update that replaced the original.
* Some updates require you to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) before you can install them. If you decline the agreement, the updates are not installed. If you change your mind, you can install the updates later by visiting the Windows Update Web site(http://www.microsoft.com/).
* Some updates require you to restart your computer before they take effect. Windows will notify any user who is logged on to the computer before restarting; however, only members of the local Administrators group can stop the computer from restarting. Make sure you save your work before restarting your computer and remind other users to save their work, especially before scheduled installation times.

TO TURN ON AUTOMATIC UPDATES

You must be logged on as a computer administrator to complete this procedure.
1. Open System, and then click the Automatic Updates tab. or If you are running Windows 2000, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates.
2. Click Automatic (recommended).
3. Under Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them, select the day and time you want Windows to install updates.

Notes
* To open System, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
* Automatic Updates provides high-priority updates, which include security and other critical updates that can help protect your computer. It's a good idea to visit the Windows Update Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/) on a regular basis to get optional updates, such as recommended software and hardware updates, that can help improve your computer's performance.
TO UNINSTALL AN UPDATE You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
1. Open Add or Remove Programs.
2. On the top right, select the Show updates check box. All installed updates appear at the top of your program list.
3. Click the update you want to uninstall, and then click Remove.

Note
* To open Add or Remove Programs, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.

TO VIEW A LIST OF UPDATES INSTALLED ON YOUR COMPUTER

1. Open Add or Remove Programs.
2. On the top right, select the Show updates check box. All installed updates appear at the top of your program list.
Notes
* To open Add or Remove Programs, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
* You can also view your installation history at the Windows Update Web site(http://www.microsoft.com/).