How do I run Windows Auto-Update?

Introduction to Windows Updates

With the multitude of viruses on the Internet and security risks to systems, it is crucial to keep computers updated with the latest Microsoft security patches. There are two ways to update Windows machines:

  1. Manually using Windows Update.
  2. Automatically by using the built in Automatic Updates feature.


Please note: For Windows machines, you must be an Administrator of the computer to install updates. Also, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), and Windows 95 have reached the ends of their product support life cycles. Updates that were provided for Windows 98 are available on an archived basis on the Windows Update site. However, Microsoft no longer offers technical support or updates for these releases.

Please contact OIS Client Services at 919-962-HELP if you have any questions or problems.

Manual Windows Updates

You can manually update your machine with the latest security patches by going to the Windows Updates site. You must use Internet Explorer to update from this site!

  1. Using Internet Explorer, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and click on Scan for Updates to scan your computer for critical updates, including security updates and service packs.
  2. From the navigation pane, under Pick updates to install , click Critical Updates and Service Packs. Critical updates are selected for download automatically.
  3. Click Review and install updates.
  4. Click Install Now to finish updating your machine. You may have to restart your computer after installing the updates.

Configuring Automatic Updates in Windows 7/Vista

Please note: After configuring Automatic Updates, you must complete a manual update to your machine. Automatic Updates only downloads future updates. It does not download existing updates available for your computer.

  1. Open Control Panel and double click Windows Update.
  2. In the Windows Update window, select the Change Settings task on the left.
  3. Select “Install updates automatically (recommended)”
  4. Click OK

You can set the Automatic Downloads feature for any time of day. To avoid slow performance, we recommend a time when you will not be using the computer for other Web or e-mail tasks. If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if you forget to leave your computer on, Windows will notify you of available updates using a balloon. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.

Configuring Automatic Updates in Windows XP

Please note: After configuring Automatic Updates, you must complete a manual update to your machine. Automatic Updates only downloads future updates. It does not download existing updates available for your computer.

  1. Find the My Computer icon on your desktop. If it is not on your desktop, click on the Start Menu, you should see the My Computer icon listed there. Right click on the My Computer icon, and select Properties.
  2. In the System Properties window, click on the Automatic Updates tab. Place a check mark in the box next to "Keep my computer up to date."
  3. Under Settings, select the setting of your choice. OIS recommends selecting "Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify," and setting a daily schedule.

You can set the Automatic Downloads feature for any time of day. To avoid slow performance, we recommend a time when you will not be using the computer for other Web or e-mail tasks. If you set up Automatic Updates to notify you, or if you forget to leave your computer on, Windows will notify you of available updates using a balloon. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.