Tech Tips and How-To Guides

Automatic updates ensure your Windows installation stays current with security patches without requiring you to remember to check manually. A computer that has not been updated is a computer with known, unfixed vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic updates is one of the simplest and most important things you can do.

How to enable automatic updates

1. Open Settings and click Windows Update in the left sidebar.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is turned on. This updates Office and other Microsoft software as well.
4. Under Automatic updates, turn on Download updates over metered connections if you are on a fast connection.
5. Set Active hours so Windows knows when you are typically using the computer and will not restart automatically during those times.

Manage restarts

Windows will sometimes need to restart to apply updates. You can schedule when restarts happen under the Windows Update settings. Choose a time when you are typically not using the computer, such as early morning. If Windows needs a restart, it will show a notification rather than restarting without warning during your active hours.

Updates for other software

Windows Update does not cover every program on your computer. Make sure you also enable automatic updates in your web browser, antivirus software, and any other applications you use regularly. Web browsers in particular release frequent security updates and should always be kept current.