|
|
||
|
Microsoft Windows Operating System Update
| Auto Download & Install | Auto Download & Notify | Notify before Download | Manual Update |
| FAQ | Additional Resources |
Overview
Windows Update is used to download and install updates to the Windows operating system. This includes critical security updates and other updates Microsoft believes you may want. Installing critical updates as soon as they are available is crucial to protecting your computer from attacks over the Internet.
Due to critical vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows operating systems and Internet Explorer, a remote user could potentially delete data files, render a computer useless until all software and data are reinstalled, steal your personal information, or take control of your PC without your knowledge. All Windows users, both on campus and at home, should immediately ensure that their Windows computer has the latest security patches installed.
There are four ways to install critical updates: Auto Download and Install, Auto Download and Notify, Notify before Download, and Manual Update. We recommend computers with direct connections to the Internet (ie on-campus, DSL, and cable modem) to Auto Download & Install critical updates but you must choose the method you are most comfortable with. Here are the pluses and minuses for each method.
- Auto Download & Install (Recommended; only available in Microsoft Windows 2000/XP operating systems and greater).
- Keeps your computer as safe as possible as soon as possible automatically.
- Does not require downloading an entire update during one session on the Internet.
- Be aware if a critical update has a flaw in it your computer will be effected by that flaw. This could effect Windows as a whole or specific applications. Flaws are rare, but have happened.
- Auto Download & Notify
- Can not take you by surprise by starting an installation when you are not expecting it.
- Does not require downloading an entire update during one session on the Internet.
- Does not require you to actively look for critical updates.
- Makes it too easy to postpone installing a critical update indefinitely. This exposes your computer to security risks.
- Notify Before Download
- If you have a fast Internet connection, manual downloading is faster than automated downloading.
- Does not require you to actively look for critical updates.
- Allows you to postpone installing a critical update for as long as you want.
- Requires downloading all selected updates in one session on the Internet. For example, service pack 2 for Windows XP is expected to take at least 3 hours to download using a dial-up modem. If you connect to the Internet through the SFSU modem pool it will not be possible to download service pack 2.
- Makes it too easy to postpone installing a critical update indefinitely. This exposes your computer to security risks.
- Manual Update (This is the only method of Windows Update available for Windows 95/98/Millenium/NT operating systems).
- No notification that new critical updates are available. This places your computer at highest risk from attacks over the Internet.
Automate Windows Update to Download Critical Updates & Install
We recommend you configure Microsoft Windows to automatically download and install updates on a schedule you specify.
Requirements
- To modify Automatic Updates settings on Windows XP and Windows 2000, 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.
- Windows ME users can use the Automatic update feature but will need to first install the 'Automatic Update' patch by manually running Windows update and then configure Windows Update using the Windows update icon in the Control Panel.
Automating Windows Update for Windows XP/2000
- Make sure you are logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
- In Windows XP, select Start
> Control Panel
from the Windows taskbar.
In Windows 2000, select Start> Settings > Control Panel
from the Windows taskbar, then double-click Automatic Updates.
- In Windows XP, click on Performance and Maintenance.
(If the Control Panel is set to Classic View or if you are using Windows 2000, skip the next 2 steps).
- Double-click the System icon.
- Click on the Automatic Updates tab.
There are two versions of the Automatic Updates Window. The following instructions will cover both versions.
- Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
(Skip this step, if you do not have the Keep my computer up to date check box option).
- Check the radio button next to Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
- Select Every day from the drop down menu.
- Select an hour (such as 12:00 PM) from the drop down menu.
If your computer is turned off during a scheduled update, updates are installed the next time you start your computer.
- Click the OK button.
How the Automatic Update Process Works
After you set this option, Windows finds updates on the Windows Update Web site that apply to your computer and downloads them automatically in the background (you are not notified or interrupted during this process). When downloading is complete, a message appears in the status area so you can review the updates that are scheduled for installation.
Windows Update icon appears on taskbar when downloading Windows updates. A message appears briefly when updates have finished downloading.
If you choose not to install at that time, Windows starts the installation on your set schedule.
If you click the icon on the taskbar to review the updates and install them an Automatic Updates window will appear.
If you choose to install at this time, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
If you do not choose to install at the time of notification, installation will take place during the scheduled install time regardless of who is logged on to the computer at that time. A window will appear giving you a warning and an option to postpone the installation.
Some updates might require that your computer be restarted to complete the installation. If you are logged on to your computer, Windows notifies you and gives you the option to delay the restart. Be sure to save any work prior to the scheduled installation time.
TOP OF PAGE
Automate Windows Update to Download Critical Updates & Notify
This option will automatically download all Windows Critical Updates automatically in the background when your computer is connected to the Internet and will notify you when the Critical Updates are available for installation.
Requirements
- To modify Automatic Updates settings on Windows XP and Windows 2000, 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.
- Windows ME users can use the Automatic update feature but will need to first install the 'Automatic Update' patch by manually running Windows update and then configure Windows Update using the Windows update icon in the Control Panel.
Automating Windows Update to Download Critical & Notify for Windows XP/2000
- Make sure you are logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
- In Windows XP, select Start
In Windows 2000, select Start
- In Windows XP, click on Performance and Maintenance.
(If the Control Panel is set to Classic View or if you are using Windows 2000, skip the next 2 steps).
- Double-click the System icon.
- Click on the Automatic Updates tab.
- Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
(Skip this step, if you do not have the Keep my computer up to date check box option).
- Check the radio button next to Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
How the Automate Windows Update to Download Critical Updates & Notify Process Works
After you set this option, Windows finds updates on the Windows Update Web site that apply to your computer and downloads them automatically in the background (you are not notified or interrupted during this process). When downloading is complete, a message appears in the status area so you can review the updates for installation.
Windows Update icon appears on taskbar when downloading Windows updates. A message appears briefly when updates have finished downloading. If you choose not to install at that time, you will be given the option to Remind Me Later and to select a time when you would like to be reminded.
- If you choose to install updates when notified, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
- Some updates might require that your computer be restarted to complete the installation. If you are logged on to your computer, Windows notifies you and gives you the option to delay the restart. Be sure to save any work prior to the scheduled installation time.
TOP OF PAGE
Notify Before Downloading Critical Updates & Notify Before Installing
This option will notify you that Windows Critical Updates are available for download. If you choose to download the Critical updates, you will again be notifed when the Critical Updates are fully downloaded and be prompted to install them.
Requirements
- To modify Automatic Updates settings on Windows XP and Windows 2000, 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.
- Windows ME users can use the Automatic update feature but will need to first install the 'Automatic Update' patch by manually running Windows update and then configure Windows Update using the Windows update icon in the Control Panel.
Automating Windows Update to Notify When Critical Updates are Available for Windows XP/2000
- Make sure you are logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
- In Windows XP, select Start
In Windows 2000, select Start
- In Windows XP, click on Performance and Maintenance.
(If the Control Panel is set to Classic View or if you are using Windows 2000, skip the next 2 steps).
- Double-click the System icon.
- Click on the Automatic Updates tab.
- Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
(Skip this step, if you do not have the Keep my computer up to date check box option).
- Check the radio button next to Notify me before downloading any updates and notify me again before installing them on my computer.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
How the Notify Before Downloading Critical Updates & Notify Before Installing Process Works
After you set this option, Windows finds updates on the Windows Update Web site that apply to your computer and notifies you when critical updates are available for download. When you have enough time, you should select to download critical updates when prompted. When downloading is complete, a message appears in the status area so you can review the updates for installation. If you choose not to install at that time, you will be given the option to Remind Me Later and to select a time when you would like to be reminded.
- If you choose to install updates when notified, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
- Some updates might require that your computer be restarted to complete the installation. If you are logged on to your computer, Windows notifies you and gives you the option to delay the restart. Be sure to save any work prior to the scheduled installation time.
TOP OF PAGE
Manually Run Windows Update
Requirements:
- In Windows XP and Windows 2000, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
How to Manually Run Windows Update
- Make sure you are logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
Launch Internet Explorer.
- On the Windows Update home page, you will see Scan for updates or the combination of Express Install & Custom Install
If Scan for updates is your only option, click on Scan for updates.
If Express Install & Custom Install are your options, click on Express Install.
Windows Update will search for available critical updates for your computer.
- Click Review and install updates.
- We recommend installing all Critical Updates. Other updates are optional. Browse through the available updates in each category, click Remove only if you want to remove an update. You can also read a full description of each item by clicking the Read more link.
- Click Install Now.
- Click Yes if prompted to install any required software.
- Some updates must be installed separately from others. Some updates may require that you restart your computer. Restart your computer if you are prompted to after the installation of the updates.
- Repeat steps 1-8 until there are no more Critical Updates left to install.
TOP OF PAGE
Windows Update FAQ
Note: Portions of this section were adapted from Microsoft's Windows Update web site.
- How do I know if I need an update?
Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the items on your computer. During the scan, a list of categories appears under Welcome to Windows Update and the number of updates that are available in each category is noted in parentheses.
- Critical Updates are important!
Any update that is critical to the operation of your computer is considered a "Critical Update," and is automatically selected for installation during the scan for available updates. These updates are provided to help resolve known issues, and to protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities.
- Have questions about an update?
Each update is accompanied by a brief description and a Read more link. Click Read more at any time to view information that is specific to each update. Included in this information are system requirements and, if applicable, instructions on how to use and how to uninstall the update.- What happens if my computer is in sleep mode during the time it is scheduled to automatically run Windows Update?
If the machine is configured to automatically download and install, downloading of critical updates will take place in the background as your computer is connected to the Internet. If your computer is in sleep mode at the time it is Windows Update is scheduled, the installation will not take place. Windows will attempt to install the critical updates the next day at the scheduled time. Installation of critical updates occurs when your computer is on and awake at the scheduled time specified in Windows Update.- What happens if my computer is turned off during the time it is scheduled to automatically run Windows Update?
If the machine is configured to automatically download and install, downloading of critical updates will take place in the background as your computer is connected to the Internet. Installation of critical updates occurs when your computer is on and awake at the scheduled time specified in Windows Update. If your computer is turned off during a scheduled update, updates are installed the next time you start your computer.
- To see the list of updates you have installed from Windows Update, click View installation history.
- The categories for the Windows operating system updates are:
- Critical Updates – security fixes and other important updates to keep your computers current and your network secure.
- Recommended Downloads – the latest Windows and Internet Explorer service packs and other important updates.
- Windows Tools - utilities and other tools provided to enhance performance, facilitate upgrades, and ease the burden on system administrators.
- Internet and Multimedia Updates – the latest Internet Explorer releases, upgrades to your Windows Media™ Player, and more.
- Additional Windows Downloads – updates for your desktop settings and other Windows features.
- Multi-Language Features – menus and dialog boxes, language support, and Input Method Editors for a variety of languages.
TOP OF PAGE
Additional Resources
- Windows Update - Microsoft's Official Windows Update site.
- What's New in Windows Update
- Use Windows built-in Help and search for Automatic Updates.
TOP OF PAGE
Site Home | What We Do | Help Desk | Account Services | Software | Hardware | Network
Telephone Services | Training | Computer Labs | Web Publishing | Policies | Sitemap | Contact Us
Last Modified: 24 Sep 2004
doit@sfsu.edu
