Windows Automatic Updates
Changing the status of Automatic Windows Updates on your Windows Machine.
To turn ON automatic updates:
- Open System in the Control Panel.
- Click On the Automatic Updates tab.
- Check the check box next to Let Windows keep my computer up-to-date.
To turn OFF automatic updates:
- Open System in the Control Panel.
- Click On the Automatic Updates tab.
- Uncheck the check box next to Let Windows keep my computer up-to-date.
Notes:
- To modify Automatic Updates settings, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
- Windows might prompt you to restart your computer after certain components are installed. Please restart your computer when prompted; otherwise, your computer might not work properly.
- You can always install specific updates from the Windows Update Website using Internet Explorer.
Once Windows Update has been configured:
- You no longer have to search for critical updates and information; Windows delivers them directly to your computer.
- Windows recognizes when you are online and uses your Internet connection to search for downloads from the Windows Update Web site.
- An icon appears in the notification area each time new updates are available.
- You can specify how and when you want Windows to update your computer. For example, you can set up Windows to automatically download and install updates on a schedule you specify, or you can choose to have Windows notify you whenever it finds updates available for your computer; it will then download the updates in the background, allowing you to continue working uninterrupted.
- After the download is complete, an icon appears in the notification area with a message that the updates are ready to be installed. When you click the icon or message, you can install the new updates in a few simple steps.
- If you choose not to install a specific update that has been downloaded, Windows deletes those files from your computer.
- If you change your mind:
- Click the Start menu.
- Open Control Panel then System
- Open the Automatic Updates tab
- Click Declined Updates.
- If any of the updates you previously declined still apply to your computer, they will appear the next time Windows notifies you of available updates.

