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

You can schedule your Windows 2000, XP, or Vista 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.

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.

Vista

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel (or Settings, then Control Panel).
   
   
2. If necessary, click Classic View on the left. Double-click Windows Update, and then click Change settings on the left.
   
   
3. At this screen, you can choose from the following options (UITS recommends the first):
   
   
   • 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.

XP and 2000

1. In Windows XP, from the Classic Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel. Double-click System, and then select the tab for Automatic Updates.
   
   In Windows 2000, from the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel, and then Automatic Updates.
   
   
2. Verify that the box at the top that starts with Keep my computer up to date is checked. Then, you will see three choices (UITS recommends the last):
   
   
   • 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.

Also see:

• What is Windows Update and how do I use it to update my Windows installation?
• What are service packs for Windows, and where can I get them?
• For Windows, how can I get software updates and patches?
• What is the Microsoft Windows Security Center?
• What is Windows XP Service Pack 3, and how do I install it?