Automatic Updates in Windows XP

It's extremely important to make sure that your home computer is protected from viruses and other security threats. Part of this is downloading the latest updates for the computer's operating system. This help file will show you how to set up Windows XP to automatically download and install the latest high-priority updates.

Turning on Automatic Updates

1) Click on the Start menu.

2) Right click on My Computer and choose Properties.

3) If the My Computer icon is on the desktop, just right click on it there and then choose Properties instead of going through the Start menu.

Click on the Start menu. Then right click on My Computer and choose Properties.

4) When the System Properties dialogue box comes up, click on the Automatic Updates tab. Choose "Automatic (recommended)" and click on OK.

Click on the Automatic Updates tab. Then choose Automatic (recommended) and click OK.

Note -- Occasionally you will see a yellow shield in your system tray (the lower right part of the screen). This means updates are ready to be installed. You can either wait for the updates to install on their own, or you can double click on this icon and follow the directions to install the updates right away. Your computer may need to be restarted after the updates are installed.

yellow shield - updates ready

Additional Notes:

  • Remember that this help file applies to your home computer. Your work computer should already be set to download and install the latest updates.
  • Automatic Updates in Windows will not take care of your virus and spyware protection needs. For further information, check out the OSU Safe Computing website.