Understanding Windows automatic updating

Because with automatic updating, you don't have to search for updates online or worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer. Windows automatically checks for the latest updates for your computer. Depending on the Windows Update settings you choose, Windows can install updates automatically or just let you know they're available. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off.

If you haven't already, just turn on automatic updating. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off.

There is no charge to you for the Windows Update service. However, depending on how you are billed for your Internet connection, standard local and long distance phone charges and Internet service charges might apply for the time required to download an update.

It depends on the type of Internet connection you have and the size and number of updates your computer needs. However, updates are automatically downloaded behind the scenes when you're online. They do not interfere with other downloads, and if you disconnect they will continue to download in the background the next time you go online.

Windows Update contains software tools that detect information about your computer, such as the make and model and the version of Windows and other Microsoft software that your computer is running. Microsoft uses that information to install only the updates your computer needs. For more information, read the Windows Update privacy statement online.

No. Windows will automatically install updates for your computer as they become available. Also, for this version of Windows, the website has been replaced by Windows Update in Control Panel. If you want to check for updates manually, follow these steps:

Tip

To find out how to get updates for Windows and your other Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Office, go to the Microsoft Update website. If you're already using Microsoft Update to get updates for your computer, Windows Update in Control Panel will automatically open and display your update status.

Updates are downloaded behind the scenes when you're online. They do not interfere with other downloads. If you disconnect from the Internet before an update is fully downloaded, the download process will continue the next time you're online.

It depends on the automatic updating option you choose. If you choose the recommended option, updates are installed at 3:00 A.M. or on a schedule that you choose. If you turn off your computer before the scheduled time, you can install updates before shutting down.

If your computer is in one of the power-saving states (Sleep or Hibernate) during a scheduled update, and if your computer is plugged in to a power source, Windows will wake your computer long enough to install new updates. If your computer is running on battery power, however, Windows will not install updates. Windows will try to install them instead at the next scheduled installation time. To schedule when Windows automatically installs updates:

Yes. View the history in Windows Update in Control Panel, or go to Installed Updates:

Yes. You can choose to install important updates only, or important and recommended updates. Optional updates are not installed automatically. Instead, you can choose to install them by reviewing available updates when you check for updates using Windows Update in Control Panel. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off and Change how Windows installs or notifies you about updates.

Yes. Windows Update will notify you if security and other important updates cannot be installed. For more information, see Troubleshoot problems with installing updates.