Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place

Windows Security Center allows you to easily manage security settings for Automatic Updates. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Microsoft Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs.

After you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) on your computer, you will see the window below prompting you to turn on Automatic Updates.

Automatic Updates prompt

Windows asks you to turn on Automatic Updates right away. By default, any new updates are installed each day at 3 a.m. You can change your settings later, if you want.

To change your Automatic Updates settings

Install Important Updates Before You Shut Down Your Computer

In SP2, Automatic Updates can also remind you to install updates before you shut down your computer. Installing updates at shutdown means you aren't interrupted while you work and you don't need to restart your computer before some updates can take effect. Windows will automatically turn off your computer after the updates are installed and your computer will be up to date the next time you turn it on.

Note Updates are downloaded behind the scenes whenever you're connected to the Internet. The downloading process doesn't interfere with other downloads or interrupt you while you work. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, the download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet.

Tip Don't forget that updates must be downloaded and installed to take effect.

Top of page

Want optional updates?

You can also visit the Microsoft Update Web site on a regular basis to get updates for your computer. The Web site provides the same high priority updates as Automatic Updates, but also offers optional updates that can help improve your computer's performance or add functionality to some of your programs.

Top of page