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Scheduling Automatic Updates at Home (Windows)

If you use Windows XP or 2000, you can schedule automatic downloads and even installation of critical updates. This ensures your computer is always up to date and does not require you to remember to run windows update manually.

Quick Tip

Getting help
The HelpDesk can help you with updates, patches and service packs for your personally owned or SCSU office computer. HelpDesk consultants also can answer questions about protecting your computer. Contact the HelpDesk at (320) 308-2077, helpdesk@stcloudstate.edu or in Miller Center B43.

To configure a schedule for Automatic Updates using Windows XP:

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
  2. On the Automatic Updates tab, click Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
  3. Click to select the day and time that you want to download and install updates. Set this to a time when your computer will be on, but when you typically are not actively using your computer.

When critical updates are detected, Automatic Updates automatically downloads these updates in the background while you are connected to the Internet. After the download is complete, Automatic Updates waits until the scheduled day and time to install the updates. On the scheduled day and time, you may receive the following message with a five-minute countdown timer:

“Windows is ready to begin installing the updates available for your computer.
Do you want Windows to install the updates now?”

Click Yes to install the updates. If you do not take any action in five minutes, Windows automatically installs the updates.

To configure a schedule for Automatic Updates using Windows 2000:

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Automatic Updates.
  2. Click Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
  3. Click to select the day and time that you want to download and install updates.

When critical updates are detected, Automatic Updates automatically downloads these updates in the background while you are connected to the Internet. After the download is complete, Automatic Updates waits until the scheduled day and time to install the updates. On the scheduled day and time, you might receive the following message with a five minute countdown timer:

“Windows is ready to begin installing the updates available for your computer.
Do you want Windows to install the updates now?”

Click Yes to install the updates. If you do not take any action in five minutes, Windows automatically installs the updates.