For Seniors: Options for Keeping Windows Updated
Microsoft often release updates to Windows, both to fix problems and to deal with new threats to security. You can update Windows easily when needed, and updating Windows is a good way to secure your data and keep your computer safe.
Like all software, each release of Windows is thoroughly tested; however, when a product is in general use, the manufacturer may find a few problems or security gaps that it couldn’t anticipate. At that point, the manufacturer often issues an update to the software to fix these problems.
Windows Update is a tool you can use to make sure your laptop has the most up-to-date security measures in place.
Choose Start→All Programs→Windows Update.
The Windows Update window appears.
Click the Change Settings link on the left side of the Windows Update window.
The Change Settings window appears.
Click the Important Updates drop-down list and select how you want Windows updated.
If you choose Install Updates Automatically, Windows Update starts at a time of day you specify, checks for updates and installs them.
Your laptop must be on for automatic updating to work. If you’ve turned off your laptop, the automatic update will start when you next time you turn it back on. As it's updating, Windows Update might shut down your laptop in the middle of your work to reboot (turn off and then on) and complete the installation.
If you choose Download Updates But Let Me Choose Whether to Install Them, then Windows Update checks for and downloads updates periodically, then notifies you (through a little pop-up message on your taskbar) to install them.
If you choose Check for Updates But Let Me Choose Whether to Download and Install Them, then Windows Update checks for updates but does not download them. Instead, Windows simply notifies you that new updates are available.
If you choose Never Check for Updates, then you'll have to check for them yourself, manually.
Using the Never Check for Updates option puts your laptop at a bit more risk because you may neglect to download important updates, but it’s useful for you to know how to perform a manual update if you discover a new update is available that you need.
