How to Enable Automatic Updates

Two Methods:Updating Windows 7 and VistaUpdating Windows XP

Updates to PC Windows operating systems can make your computer more secure and stable, enabling your computer to run more smoothly. In just a few minutes you can learn how to enable automatic updates with the Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems.

Method 1
Updating Windows 7 and Vista

  1. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 1
    1
    Click the Start menu at the bottom left of your computer screen. In Windows Vista and Windows 7 the word "Start" is not shown on the icon. Look for the four-colored Microsoft rectangles arranged in a square.
  2. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 2
    2
    Type the words "Windows update" into the Start menu search box.
  3. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 3
    3
    Click the Windows Update program, which will appear in the Start menu at the top of the list of programs.
  4. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 4
    4
    Click "Change settings" in the window that opens. ("Change settings" will appear in a pane on the left side of the window.)
  5. 5
    Select one of the four options for automatic updates from the drop down menu.
    • You can select, "Install updates automatically (recommended)." If you select automatic installment, Windows will download and install updates in the background while you work, then restart the computer automatically after a designated amount of time.
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 5Bullet1
    • If you select, "Download updates but let me choose whether to download and install them," the icon in the Start menu to the left of the icons you click to turn off or lock your computer will change to red when updates are ready to be installed. To install updates, click the red button. Your computer will shut down and install Windows updates next time you restart your computer.
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 5Bullet2
    • You can also choose, "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them." If you select this option, frequently check the Windows Update program via the Control Panel or the Start menu.
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 5Bullet3
    • There is also an option that says, "Never check for updates (not recommended)."
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 5Bullet4
  6. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 6
    6
    Click "OK" after selecting the option you want to save the settings and close the window.

Method 2
Updating Windows XP

  1. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 7
    1
    Click "start" in the bottom left of your computer screen.
  2. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 8
    2
    Click on run and type "sysdm.cpl" then press Enter.
  3. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 9
    3
    Click the "Automatic updates" tab in the window that opens. There will be four options.
    • Click, "Automatic (recommended)" Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them. In the drop-down menu, designate a day and time when you want the computer to install updates.
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 9Bullet1
    • You can also click, "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them." This option will prevent your computer from shutting off automatically after downloading updates.
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 9Bullet2
    • You can also turn off automatic download by clicking, "Notify me but don't automatically download or install them."
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 9Bullet3
    • You can also click next to the option that states, "Turn off Automatic Updates."
      Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 9Bullet4
  4. Image titled Enable Automatic Updates Step 10
    4
    Click "OK" after you select the option to save the settings and close the window.

Tips

  • You need Windows XP Service Pack 2 to enable the automatic update feature. See support.microsoft.com for more information about XP Service Pack 2.

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Basic Computer Skills | Maintenance and Repair