University Computer Help Desk

Configuring Automatic Updates on Windows Vista

Configure Windows Vista to automatically download critical security updates from Microsoft.

It is extremely important for you to download and install critical security updates from Microsoft, which are released each month. Critical updates fix security problems in Windows and help protect your computer against threats like viruses and hackers.

To configure Windows Vista to automatically download critical security updates, do the following:

  1. Click Start > Control Panel.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Click Security > Windows Update.
    • Double-click Windows Update.
  3. Click Change Settings on the left.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Select Install updates automatically (recommended). If you are not sure which option to choose, select this option.
    • Select Download updates but let me choose whether to install them.
  5. Under Recommended updates, we recommend putting a check mark next to Including recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates.
  6. Under Update Service, make sure there is a check mark in the box labeled, Use Microsoft Update.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Windows will check for updates for your computer and if any new updates are found, it will prompt you to install them by providing you with an Install Updates button.
    1. Click Install Updates to begin install new updates for Windows.
    2. You may be prompted to restart your computer after installing updates.
  9. You may close the Control Panel and any other windows you have open.

Windows Vista has now been configured to automatically download critical updates for your computer.

If you selected the option, Download updates but let me choose whether to install them, make sure you do not ignore new updates as they are released. It is very important to install new updates as they become available. Failure to keep your computer up to date can make your computer susceptible to infection by viruses, malware and other security threats.

 

Article Information

  • Article ID: 1492
  • Last Review: Mar 30, 2009
  • Type: Instructions

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