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Critical Updates for Windows Vista

Last Update: 7/29/09

These instructions will show you how to download updates for Windows Vista as well as how to enable Automatic Updates. Computers on the UCCS domain are already set to download the updates automatically. When notified that the downloads are ready to install, please install them as soon as possible to prevent computer vulnerabilities.

It is advisable to install all critical updates to your Windows system at least monthly. Microsoft updates their software constantly to correct problems. Inside of Windows XP, you can configure your computer to download all critical updates automatically. Follow the instructions below to install updates manually and configure your computer to install updates automatically.

1. First, right-click on the Computer icon and select Properties. This icon will either be on your desktop or in the Start Menu.

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2. Click on the Windows Update button in the lower-left area of the window.

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3. Click on the Check for updates button. If you do not see this button in the main window, you can find it in the menu on the left.

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4. Windows will check for available updates. This can take several minutes.

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5. When windows has determnined which updates your computer needs, it will ask you to download and install them. Click on the Install updates button. You can view additional updates by clicking on View available updates.

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Note: You may have to restart your computer after the updates are installed. Choose an appropriate time to do Windows Update when you aren't working on a project that cannot be saved and interrupted.

Some updates cannot be installed until other updates are installed. Run Windows Update until there are no more critical updates to install.

 

Enabling Automatic Updates

6. Click the Change settings button to configure windows to perform updates automatically.

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7. Select Install updates automatically (recommended). Select a time when your computer is most likely to be turned on. Press OK.

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Each time you boot up your computer, Windows will check Microsoft for critical updates. If any exist, they will download automatically. You will occassionally see a balloon in the bottom-left corner saying you have updates to install. Clicking on the balloon or the icon in the lower right of your screen will open Windows Update.

Failure to update your computer can make your computer vulnerable to malware and other security risks.