What is the Windows Automatic Updates feature and how do I use it?

You can schedule your Windows computer to automatically download and install any available updates when you have an Internet connection, eliminating the need to regularly visit the Windows Update site. UITS requires automatic updating of user machines in campus housing, and strongly recommends this for off-campus users as well.

Note: At Indiana University, you can use the IU Microsoft Update Service, which provides the same updates that you receive through Windows Automatic Update. However, since it is hosted on the IU network, patches will download faster than if you were to download them from Microsoft directly.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel (or Settings, then Control Panel).
   
   
2. If necessary, in Windows 7, choose Large icons or Small icons from the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner; in Vista, select Classic View on the left. Open Windows Update, and then click Change settings on the left.
   
   
3. At this screen, you can choose from the following options (UITS recommends that you automatically download and install updates):
   
   
   • Install updates automatically (followed by a pair of drop-down menus that allow you to specify a schedule)
   • Download updates but let me choose whether to install them
   • Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them
   • Never check for updates (not recommended)

   Note: Selecting the first option requires that your computer is on and connected during the time(s) you specify.

Windows XP

1. From the Classic Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel. Double-click System, and then select the tab for Automatic Updates.
   
   
2. At the top, verify that Keep my computer up to date is checked. You will then see three choices (UITS recommends that you automatically download and install updates):
   
   
   • Notify me before downloading any updates, and notify me again before installing them on my computer
   • Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed
   • Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule that I specify (followed by a pair of drop-down menus that allow you to select the day and time)

   Note: Selecting the last option requires that your computer is on and connected during the time(s) you specify.

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